Security has been significantly increased at the Lagos State House of Assembly following the return of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who is contesting his impeachment. The House leadership, under Speaker Mojisola Meranda, has directed security agencies to be on high alert to prevent any disruption from supporters of the embattled former Speaker.
Sources have confirmed that the House leadership has instructed a rotation of security personnel at the Assembly complex to ensure stability during this period of tension. The heightened security measures come after Obasa, who was in the United States during the impeachment process, returned to Lagos over the weekend, insisting that his removal by 32 of the 40 lawmakers was done improperly and without due process.
The lawmakers who voted to impeach Obasa quickly appointed Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker, but Obasa has remained defiant, claiming that he is still the legitimate leader of the House. According to sources, while the impeachment was contested by some, the majority of lawmakers have maintained that the process followed proper procedure.
In a further move to maintain order, the Acting Clerk of the House, Omotayo Adekemi, issued a directive requiring all staff and legislative aides to present valid identity cards before entering the premises. This measure is part of broader efforts to ensure security and prevent unauthorized access to the Assembly.
Despite Obasa’s continued occupation of the Speaker’s official residence in Ikeja, it is expected that he will vacate both the residence and his office soon. Administrative measures are being taken to ensure a smooth transition, and the leadership crisis appears to be moving toward resolution.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which has been drawn into the dispute, has assured that it will mediate the crisis. Alhaji Mutiu Are, Secretary of the GAC, emphasized that the council would resolve the internal conflict through its established mechanisms. While the GAC has refrained from taking sides, it has promised to handle the situation in a way that respects the integrity of all parties involved.
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a prominent member of the GAC, has criticized public comments made by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in support of Obasa’s claims. He called for restraint and urged party leaders to refrain from making individual statements on the matter before the GAC has issued an official pronouncement.
As tensions within the Lagos State Assembly continue, it is expected that the leadership dispute will be resolved through ongoing efforts by the GAC and the House leadership.
