Chaos Erupts at Lagos Assembly as Former Speaker Obasa Returns with Armed Forces
Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, made a dramatic return to the Assembly complex on Thursday, triggering confusion and unrest. Sources revealed that Obasa arrived at the Assembly at approximately 11:30 AM, accompanied by a heavy presence of armed police officers and civil defense personnel. His arrival has disrupted the peace at the Assembly, especially with the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, notably absent.
Although the Assembly is currently on an indefinite break, reports indicate that the Speaker’s office was forcibly accessed. The situation has escalated following reports that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had instructed the removal of all security personnel assigned to Speaker Meranda.
This move, part of the ongoing leadership dispute within the Assembly, has left Meranda vulnerable to potential threats. An anonymous source close to the Speaker confirmed that on Thursday morning, all security officers, including police and DSS operatives, were withdrawn without replacement. “We were shocked to learn that the security detail for Madam Speaker, including police and DSS agents, was withdrawn early today, leaving her exposed amid the ongoing crisis,” the aide stated.
The aide urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene swiftly to prevent further escalation and maintain order.
The situation worsened on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko, the suspended Clerk of the House, attempted to return to the Assembly. Arriving around 9:00 AM with his lawyer, two security personnel, and unidentified DSS agents, Onafeko sought to reclaim his office. He was promptly asked to leave by Assembly staff, as the matter is pending in court. Eyewitnesses reported that staff at the Assembly jeered and booed Onafeko as he was escorted out.
In response, the Lagos State House of Assembly condemned the actions in a statement issued by Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu.
The leadership crisis stems from Obasa’s removal on January 13, after 32 out of 40 Assembly members voted him out. Meranda was then elected as the new Speaker. Despite several efforts from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the deadlock remains unresolved. As tensions rise, calls for immediate intervention to restore order and ensure the safety of the Speaker and the Assembly continue to grow.
