Tension has escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker Mojisola Meranda faces intense pressure to resign, while security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) have sealed off her office.
Armed DSS personnel reportedly stormed the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, early Monday, taking control of the premises and restricting access to key offices, including those of the Speaker, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House.
This development comes weeks after the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, a move that has sparked a major crisis within the Assembly. Obasa, who was removed over allegations of abuse of office and corruption, has refused to accept his ouster and is currently challenging it in court.
Meranda Under Pressure to Step Down
Sources indicate that Meranda, who was elected to replace Obasa, is under heavy pressure to resign amid growing political uncertainty. Speculation is rife that Obasa could be reinstated following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and some top figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The crisis has divided the party leadership in Lagos,” a source close to the Assembly told Daily Trust. “The highest decision-making body of the APC in the state, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), has been holding marathon meetings on the matter.”
The GAC has reportedly struggled to reach a consensus on whether to support Obasa’s removal or push for his return. This division has fueled speculation that Meranda may be forced to step down to restore stability within the Assembly.
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Legal Battle Over Speakership
Meanwhile, Obasa has taken legal action to challenge his impeachment. In a suit filed on February 12 at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, he is contesting the legality of his removal and seeking an expedited hearing.
His lead counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), outlined several requests, including:
- A court order fixing a date for the urgent hearing of his case.
- A directive requiring the Lagos State House of Assembly and Speaker Meranda to respond to his suit within seven days.
- A request for a court ruling on the interpretation of constitutional provisions related to his removal.
Obasa’s argument is based on nine legal grounds, including the interpretation of sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Security Lockdown at the Assembly
The DSS intervention has further heightened the crisis, with lawmakers and Assembly staff left in confusion as their offices remained locked. As of Monday afternoon, the Assembly had yet to commence its plenary session.
A source within the Assembly described the security presence as “unprecedented,” adding that the deployment of armed operatives suggests that authorities are keen to prevent any potential escalation of the political conflict.
“The situation is very tense. Nobody knows what will happen next,” the source said. “Some lawmakers are loyal to Meranda, while others want Obasa back. The power struggle is far from over.”