ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly escalated on Monday as heavy security presence was observed at the complex during a plenary session.
Security vans and personnel were stationed within and around the Lagos Assembly complex in Alausa, Lagos.
Ahead of the session, security operatives were deployed to various roads leading to the Assembly complex.
Tensions flared when some security agents attempted to gain entry into the Assembly chambers, causing a delay in the plenary for several hours.
However, an official of the Lagos Assembly later informed Channels Television that Speaker Mojisola Meranda and 32 members of the legislature were present for Monday’s session.
As of the time of this report, the specific issues on the plenary agenda remained unclear. However, some lawmakers and Assembly members were seen conversing in small groups within the premises.
Despite assurances from a source who told Channels Television that the House leadership remains intact, the actions of some workers have fueled speculation that Mojisola has either been asked to resign or faces possible impeachment.
A group of Assembly workers was seen gathering around Mojisola, insisting on their support for her continuation as Speaker.
Mojisola Meranda assumed office as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly during her inaugural plenary on January 17, 2025.
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Last month, members of the Assembly ousted long-serving Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of fraud and other related charges.
In a historic decision, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly elected Mojisola Meranda as Obasa’s replacement, making her the first female Speaker of the legislative body. The lawmaker represents Apapa Constituency I.
Defending Obasa’s impeachment, the lawmaker representing Epe Constituency I, Abiodun Tobun, stated, “The Constitution makes it clear that the House has the powers to regulate its proceedings. So, the members of the House felt that they’ve had enough of the Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa and today, we have unanimously agreed that Rt Hon Mojisola Meranda Lasbat becomes the new Speaker of the House.”
Tobun further emphasized that lawmakers “owe Lagos State a duty of ensuring that the sanctity of the House and the integrity of this House are restored.”
However, Obasa, who was absent during his removal, has insisted that he remains the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.
The former Speaker, representing Agege Constituency, dismissed the fraud allegations leveled against him, describing them as “fictitious and unsubstantiated.”
Speaking at a press conference at his Ikeja residence, he asserted, “My status in the house? I believe strongly I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done.”
He further challenged the legitimacy of his removal, stating, “If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it.
I’m a Muslim and I believe in fate. But let’s do it the way it should be done.”
The leadership crisis in the Lagos Assembly has continued for weeks, leaving many uncertain about the next steps for the House.
While some speculate that Obasa’s removal was politically motivated due to his alleged governorship ambition, he maintained that aspiring for higher office is not a crime.
Weeks after his impeachment, Obasa filed a lawsuit against the Assembly and Meranda at the Lagos State High Court, seeking a declaration that his removal was unlawful since the House was on recess at the time.