The political landscape of Lagos State is currently engulfed in turmoil as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, is reportedly on the brink of resignation. This development comes in the wake of a dramatic security operation that saw operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force sealing her office and those of her deputy and the House clerk.
Eyewitnesses reported that in the early hours of Monday, armed security personnel descended upon the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, establishing a formidable presence and subjecting all passersby to thorough searches. The atmosphere was tense, with the legislative building and its environs under tight surveillance.
Despite the heightened security, Speaker Meranda arrived at the complex around 11:15 am with her convoy, navigating through the cordoned premises to access her office. Her arrival did little to dispel the swirling rumors of her impending resignation, especially in light of the recent upheavals within the Assembly.
The current crisis traces its roots to the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025. Obasa was ousted by 32 out of the 40 Assembly members while he was reportedly in the United States. The lawmakers cited allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and abuse of office as grounds for his removal. In his absence, Mojisola Meranda, then serving as Deputy Speaker, was elected as his successor, marking a historic moment as she became the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, Obasa has vehemently contested the legitimacy of his impeachment. Upon his return to Nigeria, he addressed supporters from Agege, Alimosho, and Kosofe local government areas, asserting that due process was not followed in his removal. “I have been a parliamentarian for over two decades and I’m the longest-serving member in the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Obasa declared. “If you want to remove [the Speaker], you must ensure you follow the rules. I am not afraid of being removed; what else am I looking for?” citeturn0search0
In a bid to reclaim his position, Obasa has filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, challenging the legality of his impeachment and seeking an accelerated hearing of his suit. The political climate has been further charged by reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the matter, potentially paving the way for Obasa’s reinstatement.
The involvement of the DSS and the police in sealing the offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the clerk has raised questions about the executive’s influence over the legislative arm of the state government. While official statements from the DSS and the police are yet to be released, sources within the Assembly suggest that the security operation is linked to the ongoing legal and political battle over the Speakership.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex political decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, appears divided over Obasa’s removal. Some members advocate for adherence to constitutional procedures, while others support the swift actions taken by the Assembly members. This division within the GAC underscores the complexity of the crisis and its potential implications for the state’s political stability.
As the situation unfolds, the residents of Lagos State watch closely, aware that the outcome of this power struggle could have far-reaching consequences for governance and political alliances within the state. The tension within the Assembly not only highlights the fragility of political positions but also raises concerns about the processes governing legislative leadership and the rule of law.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on the Lagos State High Court as it deliberates on Obasa’s suit. The court’s decision will be pivotal in determining the legitimacy of the impeachment and could either reinforce or reshape the current power dynamics within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
For now, the Assembly remains under tight security, with legislative activities at a standstill. The uncertainty surrounding Speaker Meranda’s position and the potential reinstatement of Obasa have created an atmosphere of suspense and speculation. Stakeholders and political observers alike await further developments, cognizant of the fact that the resolution of this crisis will set a precedent for how political disputes are managed in Nigeria’s commercial nerve center.
