The Lagos State House of Assembly has been hit with fresh political turbulence as Deputy Chief Whip, Okanlawon Sani, officially resigned from his position. This development comes in the wake of an ongoing leadership dispute within the assembly. Lagos Lawmakers Face Leadership Turmoil The crisis within the legislative body intensified after the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the House in February. The unfolding events have led to uncertainty among lawmakers and heightened political tension in the state. Political analysts suggest that the power struggle within the assembly could have long-term implications for governance in Lagos State. The resignation of a key legislative officer like the Deputy Chief Whip signals deeper unrest within the ruling structure. Impact of the Crisis on Governance Observers believe that the ongoing leadership tussle could disrupt legislative functions and slow down critical decision-making processes. Stakeholders in Lagos politics are calling for swift resolution to restore stability within the House of Assembly. Reliable Source Insight For an in-depth analysis of the leadership crisis in Lagos, refer to this comprehensive report by The Guardian, a reputable global news source. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
A massive crowd of supporters gathered outside the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, calling for the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker who was recently removed from office. Obasa’s Supporters Stage Protest at Lagos Assembly Obasa, who arrived at the complex in the afternoon under tight security, was met by a sea of loyalists carrying placards and chanting slogans in his support. A viral video circulating online showcases the intensity of the demonstration, highlighting the supporters’ firm demand for his return. Background: Obasa’s Removal and Meranda’s Installation The former Speaker was ousted on January 13 while he was abroad, with Mojisola Meranda swiftly appointed as his replacement. Upon his return on January 25, Obasa was greeted by an overwhelming show of solidarity from his followers, reinforcing his continued influence in the Lagos political scene. Obasa Challenges Removal, Leadership Crisis Deepens Since his removal, Obasa has vehemently contested the decision, asserting that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the House. Meanwhile, rumors are intensifying that Mojisola Meranda is under increasing pressure to relinquish her position, as uncertainty looms over the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Security Developments Raise Further Questions In a fresh development, security aides assigned to the current Speaker were reportedly withdrawn earlier today, further fueling speculations about a possible shift in power. For more details on the unfolding political situation, visit Premium Times – a reputable source for Nigerian political news. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Obasa’s Removal from Office: Who Benefits from the Power Struggle? The political turmoil within the Lagos State House of Assembly took another dramatic turn as the embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, convened a plenary session with only four legislators present. The session, which took place within the legislative chamber, was made possible after security personnel reportedly forced the doors open. Obasa Holds Plenary Despite Opposition The plenary session commenced at approximately 3:00 PM and continued until around 3:30 PM. Despite the ongoing legislative meeting, over 26 assembly members remained outside the chamber, demonstrating their allegiance to the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. Obasa, who was removed from office on January 13 while he was overseas, has since contested his impeachment, asserting that he remains the legitimate Speaker. Speaking on the matter, Obasa insisted that due process must be followed in any impeachment procedure. Obasa Speaks on Impeachment Legitimacy In defense of his stance, Obasa stated, “I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is a democratic and constitutional process, but it must adhere to proper procedures. I am not against it, but if I fail to uphold due process, then I am not democratic.” His removal and the swift appointment of Mojisola Meranda have fueled political speculations and divided the assembly into factions, raising concerns about the stability of governance in Lagos State. Political Implications of the Leadership Crisis The ongoing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has raised questions about power struggles and political interests. Analysts believe the situation could impact legislative activities and governance in the state if not swiftly resolved. For a detailed analysis of the legal implications of legislative impeachments, read this comprehensive report by The Guardian. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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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. For further insights into Nigeria’s political landscape, visit Premium Times. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Lagos State House of Assembly and the Department of State Services (DSS) have found themselves in a heated disagreement over the agency’s presence at the legislative complex. While the DSS maintains that its operatives were invited to provide security, lawmakers argue that the security personnel overstepped their bounds by sealing off key offices, effectively disrupting legislative activities. DSS Claims It Was Invited to Maintain Security Contrary to allegations from the lawmakers, the DSS insists it was acting based on an official request. A letter from the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, A. Ottun, dated February 14, 2025, highlighted security concerns regarding an alleged plan to reinstate impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on February 18, 2025. The letter, titled “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises”, referenced credible intelligence that suggested a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. Addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos and other security agencies, it stated: “The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. We kindly request necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises starting from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing security presence and enforcing strict access control.” DSS officials maintain that their presence was in direct response to this request and that their actions were in line with their security mandate. Lawmakers Decry “Democratic Invasion” Despite the DSS’ justification, lawmakers strongly condemned the agency’s conduct, describing it as “a rape on democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.” Following the Assembly staff’s forceful reopening of the chamber doors, 36 lawmakers convened for a plenary session. According to them, the DSS operatives—many of whom were masked—had unlawfully occupied the premises without proper notice or explicit invitation. Legislative Committee Speaks Out Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, firmly refuted the DSS’ version of events. He stated: “While it is true that the House has sought security support from the DSS in the past, previous instances have only involved security personnel stationed at the main gate of the Assembly complex to prevent unauthorized access. “At no point did the letter requesting security assistance instruct the DSS to invade the legislative chamber, lock and restrict access to the Speaker’s office, or shut down the offices of the Acting Clerk and Deputy Speaker.” Concerns Over Legislative Independence The lawmakers argue that the DSS’ involvement in sealing off legislative offices represents an undue interference in legislative affairs. They assert that the sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been compromised and that such actions constitute a direct assault on democratic governance. The standoff raises broader questions about the balance of power between security agencies and legislative institutions, highlighting the need for clear protocols when deploying security operatives within government institutions. External Reference For more on legislative security protocols, visit Nigeria’s Legislative Security Framework. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
