A power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified as 36 of the 40 lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Speaker Mojisola Meranda, despite the controversial return of ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa’s return to the Assembly, allegedly aided by armed men and thugs, has sparked a dramatic confrontation, with Meranda’s supporters standing firm in their opposition to his leadership.
On Thursday, the majority of the Assembly members gathered at the Assembly garden, expressing unwavering loyalty to Meranda following their vote of confidence in her leadership on February 17. The lawmakers made it clear that they would not back down, despite Obasa’s claims of resuming his position as Speaker.
An anonymous lawmaker voiced the collective sentiment, stating, “He was not elected as Speaker by his constituency. We endured his master-slave leadership for nearly a decade. Now, we’ve had enough, and we’re not backing down.” This remark underscores the deep divisions that have plagued the Assembly for years, with many members criticizing Obasa’s leadership style.
While tensions escalated, two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II)—were seen accompanying Obasa into the Assembly complex. As the situation unfolded, Obasa’s loyalists reportedly forced open the Speaker’s office, and thugs occupied strategic areas of the complex. Armed miscreants were also seen making threats, vowing to seize all offices within the Assembly, further exacerbating the already volatile environment.
In addition to the chaos inside the Assembly, access roads leading to the complex were blocked by suspected Obasa supporters in unmarked Kombi buses, forcing motorists to find alternative routes. The disruption prompted strong condemnation from the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Stephen Ogundipe. He called for calm, labeling the events as an embarrassing spectacle for Lagos. “This is Lagos, the State House of Assembly. We are shocked by what is happening today. If there is an issue, leadership should address us directly, not subject us to this charade,” Ogundipe said.
As the crisis unfolded, Obasa spoke to the press, asserting that he remains the Speaker and that no impeachment process had taken place. He claimed his absence was due to vacation and that the House was in session upon his return. “There is nothing like impeachment. Any attempt to remove me must follow due process,” Obasa stated firmly, maintaining that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remained united.
Despite Obasa’s assertion, the stand-off continues to raise questions about the stability of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the ongoing power struggle between factions within the Assembly. The situation remains fluid, with both sides determined to defend their positions.
