Confusion as Ex-Speaker Mudashiru Obasa Attempts to Resume Office at Lagos Assembly
Tension erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stormed the complex on Thursday, allegedly attempting to reclaim his position.
Eyewitnesses reported that Obasa arrived at the Assembly at approximately 11:30 AM, flanked by heavily armed police officers and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The unexpected development has thrown the legislative house into chaos, especially in the absence of the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Obasa was accompanied by two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (representing Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (representing Mushin Constituency II). Reports indicate that his loyalists forcibly opened the doors to the Speaker’s office in an attempt to take control.
Additionally, sources allege that a group of armed miscreants followed Obasa to the Assembly complex, further heightening security concerns. The entire vicinity surrounding the legislative complex has been cordoned off, with suspected loyalists blocking all major access roads, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
Security Withdrawal Escalates Crisis
The situation comes just days after the Inspector General of Police (IGP) reportedly withdrew all security personnel assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda. According to Vanguard, the Speaker’s protection details—including operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and police officers—were removed early Thursday morning without a replacement, leaving her exposed amid the ongoing power struggle.
An anonymous aide to Meranda confirmed the security withdrawal, calling on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene before the crisis spirals out of control.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we were shocked to learn that all security details assigned to the Speaker had been withdrawn. This action has left her vulnerable at a time when tensions are running high,” the source revealed.
Former Clerk Onafeko Blocked from Resuming Duty
The crisis took another twist when former Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko—who was suspended alongside Obasa on January 13—attempted to resume office on Wednesday. Onafeko, reportedly accompanied by his lawyer and security aides, arrived at the complex around 9 AM but was denied entry.
An eyewitness disclosed that Onafeko was politely asked to leave by the Assembly’s legal representative, citing that the matter was already in court. Meanwhile, a viral video captured Assembly staff jeering at the former clerk as he was escorted out.
Backdrop of the Leadership Crisis
The ongoing dispute stems from Obasa’s removal on January 13, when 32 out of 40 Assembly members voted him out of office. Following his impeachment, Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker.
Despite interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), a resolution remains elusive. The escalating crisis has prompted urgent calls from political stakeholders for immediate intervention to restore order and ensure legislative stability.
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