Chaos erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa arrived at the complex, reportedly attempting to resume his duties, sparking confusion among lawmakers and staff.
Sources say Obasa made his entrance around 11:30 AM, flanked by heavily armed police officers and civil defense personnel. The move sent shockwaves through the Assembly, particularly since the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was not present at the time.
While the Assembly is currently in an indefinite recess, reports indicate that Obasa attempted to forcefully open the doors to the Speaker’s office.
This incident follows a recent decision by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to withdraw all security personnel assigned to Speaker Meranda, leaving her vulnerable amid the ongoing leadership crisis.
According to an aide close to the Speaker, security forces, including police officers and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), were removed early Thursday morning without being replaced.
“We were stunned to learn that all security details for Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been pulled,” the aide told Vanguard in confidence. “This leaves her exposed to potential threats at a time when the speakership issue remains unresolved.”
The aide has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his capacity as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to step in urgently to prevent further unrest and ensure the safety of the Speaker and the legislative complex.
The crisis deepened on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko, the suspended Clerk of the House, tried to regain access to the Assembly building.
Onafeko, who was removed alongside Obasa on January 13, arrived at the complex with his lawyer, two security guards, and unidentified DSS agents. However, he was turned away by security personnel and instructed to leave peacefully.
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Eyewitnesses reported that Assembly staff greeted Onafeko with boos and chants of disapproval as he was escorted off the premises. A viral video of the incident captured the tense scene, highlighting the deep divisions within the Assembly.
In response, the management of the Lagos State House of Assembly condemned the disruption. A statement issued by Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu called for calm and denounced the actions of those attempting to destabilize the Assembly.
The leadership struggle dates back to the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker on January 13, after 32 out of 40 Assembly members voted to oust him.
Mojisola Meranda was subsequently elected as the new Speaker. Despite efforts by President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to mediate, the dispute remains unresolved.
As tensions continue to mount, stakeholders are urging swift action to restore order and protect the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
