The Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed heightened tension on Monday as security operatives from the DSS and Nigeria Police took control of the premises amid the ongoing leadership crisis. Security personnel and vans surrounded the Alausa complex, blocking key entry points and delaying the plenary session for hours.
Speaker Mojisola Meranda arrived with 32 lawmakers for the session, though uncertainty loomed over the agenda. Speculation grew that Meranda faced mounting pressure to resign or risk impeachment, as some Assembly workers publicly rallied behind her, urging her to remain in office.
The crisis stems from the January 13, 2025, removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa by 32 of 40 lawmakers, citing fraud allegations. The lawmakers elected Meranda, marking a historic moment as she became the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly. Assembly member Abiodun Tobun defended the decision, stating the move aimed to restore the House's integrity.
Obasa, rejecting his removal, insisted he remains Speaker and has challenged the Assembly’s decision in court, labeling the allegations against him as baseless. He maintains that due process was not followed in his removal, vowing to pursue legal redress.
As the leadership tussle intensifies, the crisis has left Lagos residents and political observers watching closely for the Assembly’s next move.
