The crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a dramatic turn, as 36 out of the 40 lawmakers have outrightly rejected the forceful return of ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, insisting that Mojisola Meranda remains the duly elected Speaker.
The lawmakers, in a show of unity, gathered at the Assembly garden on Thursday, reaffirming their February 17 vote of confidence in Meranda. This stance comes after Obasa allegedly stormed the Assembly complex with armed men and thugs to reclaim the Speaker’s seat.
A lawmaker, who spoke anonymously, condemned Obasa’s brazen attempt to reclaim power, stating that the former Speaker’s reign was characterized by authoritarian leadership and oppression.
> “Obasa was never elected as Speaker by his constituency. We suffered under his master-slave leadership for nearly a decade, and now we have taken a stand. We will not be bullied into submission,” the lawmaker declared.
Despite the widespread resistance, two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II)—were seen escorting Obasa into the Assembly, further deepening the division within the legislative chamber.
The situation took a dangerous turn as Obasa’s loyalists reportedly forced open the Speaker’s office, while thugs occupied key strategic points in the complex. Armed miscreants were seen making threats, vowing to seize all offices within the Assembly premises.
Eyewitnesses reported that access roads to the complex were blocked by suspected Obasa supporters, who arrived in unmarked Kombi buses, forcing motorists to take alternative routes.
Reacting to the unfolding crisis, Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, described the situation as a disgrace to the legislative institution.
> “This is Lagos, the State House of Assembly. We are shocked by today’s events. If there is a leadership issue, there are proper channels to address it—not this crude display of lawlessness,” Ogundipe stated.
He further revealed that security operatives blocked him from entering the Assembly, questioning the integrity of those orchestrating the disruption.
> “We reject Obasa in totality. His time is up, and we will not allow this illegality to stand,” he affirmed.
In a counter-statement, Obasa dismissed reports of his impeachment, insisting that he remains the legitimate Speaker.
> “I was on vacation, and now I am back. The House is in session, and I am still the Speaker. There is no impeachment, and any attempt to remove me must follow due process,” Obasa said while addressing the press.
He downplayed the crisis, claiming he holds no grudges against his colleagues and insisting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains united.
> “I am the Speaker. That is the reality,” he concluded.
With the Assembly now split between pro-Obasa and pro-Meranda factions, tensions remain high. The use of force, alleged deployment of thugs, and the blocking of access roads signal a deepening constitutional crisis that could destabilize governance in Lagos.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the APC leadership to step in and prevent a full-blown legislative meltdown. Will due process prevail, or will brute force determine the fate of Lagos’ top legislative seat?
PIONEER NEWS 