The leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly took a new turn on Thursday as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa forcefully resumed office, despite his removal on January 13, 2025.
The Assembly has been thrown into disarray by Obasa’s unexpected return, which occurred around 11:30 am. He was reportedly escorted by heavily armed security personnel, creating a tense atmosphere, especially as the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was not present. Despite the Assembly being on an indefinite recess, reports indicate that Obasa forcibly opened the doors to the Speaker’s office.
Obasa declared his resumption as the parliament’s leader, stating “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly.”
The development follows the controversial withdrawal of security details assigned to Speaker Meranda, as ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). An aide to Meranda confirmed the withdrawal of police and SSS operatives, leaving her “exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis.”
The aide appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.
Adding to the turmoil, Olalekan Onafeko, the former and suspended Clerk of the House, attempted to resume his duties on Wednesday but was turned away by security personnel.
Onafeko, who was removed alongside Obasa, arrived with his lawyer and security detail, attempting to reclaim his office. A viral video captured Assembly staff jeering at Onafeko as he was escorted out. The Assembly management condemned Onafeko’s “unauthorised entry” in a statement.
The ongoing crisis originated from the January 13th removal of Obasa, who was ousted by 32 out of 40 Assembly members, citing “poor leadership style, perpetual lateness to legislative sections and plenary, high-handedness and disregard for colleague lawmakers and the executive,” among other allegations. Meranda was subsequently elected as Speaker.
Despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), efforts to resolve the leadership dispute have been unsuccessful. Meetings involving APC bigwigs, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, were held last weekend to address the crisis.
Reports emanating from various sources yesterday indicated that both Obasa and Meranda were being considered to step aside for a new Speaker, with a member of the Lagos West caucus being favoured.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Meranda, Segun Ajiboye, confirmed Obasa’s arrival and accused him of “breaking into the office.”
As tensions escalate, stakeholders are calling for immediate action to restore order and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the Assembly complex. Chief Muraina Taiwo, a member of the GAC, noted that the party is considering one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West as the new Speaker. (Guardian)