Intense political tension has gripped the Lagos State House of Assembly as security agents sealed off the office of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, fueling speculation that she may be forced to resign. The dramatic development, which unfolded on Monday, saw operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) storming the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, effectively shutting down access to key offices, including those of the Speaker, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House.
This latest twist comes in the wake of the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, a move that has since triggered an unrelenting crisis within the legislative body. Despite his removal over allegations of abuse of office and corruption, Obasa has remained defiant, challenging his impeachment in court while receiving significant political backing for a potential return.
Reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the crisis, leading to speculations that Obasa could be reinstated. His removal has sharply divided the highest decision-making body of the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). The council recently held a marathon meeting with the Assembly leadership, reportedly to deliberate on a possible reversal of Obasa’s impeachment.
Meanwhile, as of Monday morning, the Assembly complex was on high alert, with armed security operatives restricting movement within the premises. The day’s plenary session had yet to commence, raising further uncertainty about the leadership of the House. Insiders suggest that Meranda is under immense pressure to step down, possibly paving the way for Obasa’s return.
Adding a legal dimension to the unfolding drama, Obasa has filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, challenging the legality of his removal. In the suit, dated February 12, 2025, Obasa, through his lead counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, is seeking an expedited hearing on the matter. His application requests that the court abridge the time within which the defendants—namely the Lagos State House of Assembly and Speaker Meranda—may respond, emphasizing the urgency of the case.
The motion, which is premised on nine legal grounds, seeks an interpretation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly to determine the validity of his impeachment. Among the reliefs sought is an order compelling the court to fast-track the hearing and determination of the matter within a limited timeframe.
The uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Assembly has left lawmakers and political observers on edge, with many awaiting the next move in what has become a fierce battle for control. While Meranda remains the Speaker for now, the power struggle within the Lagos Assembly shows no signs of abating, as political forces within the APC continue to push conflicting agendas.
With the involvement of security agencies and the judiciary, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the House upholds its decision to remove Obasa or reverses course under political pressure.
