By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State House of Assembly was thrown into chaos on Monday as security operatives attempted to prevent Speaker Mojisola Meranda from accessing her office, leading to a dramatic standoff between assembly workers and law enforcement agents.
After hours of resistance, Meranda, who was heavily guarded by lawmakers and assembly workers, gained access to the hallowed chamber and presided over the plenary session. The tense confrontation involved policemen and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), who were reportedly trying to secure the assembly complex but were met with resistance from lawmakers and workers loyal to Meranda.
Lawmakers chanted in solidarity with the new speaker, insisting that she remained the legitimate leader of the legislative house. Thirty-six out of the 40 lawmakers in the assembly passed a vote of confidence in Meranda, vowing to resist any attempt to force her resignation in favor of ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
DSS, Assembly Clash Over Security Deployment
The DSS and the Lagos Assembly have since traded accusations over the presence of security operatives at the complex. While the DSS claimed that its personnel were invited to the assembly, the legislature denied making such a request.
The leadership crisis comes amid the appointment of Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, a move observers link to the ongoing power struggle in the assembly.
Obasa was removed as speaker on January 13, 2025, after more than two-thirds of the lawmakers voted him out over alleged misconduct and abuse of office. His deputy, Meranda, was immediately sworn in, making history as the first female speaker in Lagos State.
Following her emergence, Meranda met with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, to seek their support. She also held talks with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina.
Obasa Rejects Removal, Insists He Remains Speaker
Meanwhile, Obasa has rejected his impeachment, insisting he remains the rightful Speaker until what he described as the “right process” is followed.
Speaking at a press conference on January 25, 2025, Obasa criticized the heavy security presence during his impeachment and claimed he was removed in his absence while he was outside the country.
However, 32 lawmakers loyal to Meranda have dismissed Obasa’s claim, maintaining that his removal was final and that Meranda remains the legitimate Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.
