Men of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly in the early hours of Monday, sealing the offices of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House.
As of 10 a.m., armed security personnel had taken over the Assembly premises in Alausa, Ikeja, frisking passersby and maintaining strict surveillance.
Despite the heavy security presence, Speaker Meranda arrived at the complex with her convoy at about 11:15 a.m.
Obasa Challenges Removal in Court
The crisis follows the legal challenge filed by the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who is contesting his removal from office. Obasa, who was ousted in absentia by 32 out of 40 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, was reportedly in the United States at the time of his removal—a situation described as a “coup” by President Bola Tinubu.
It was gathered that Obasa has approached the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, seeking an accelerated hearing on the legality of his removal.
The development has caused divisions within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex political decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, with members reportedly split over Obasa’s fate.
Obasa’s suit, filed on February 12, 2025, names the Lagos State House of Assembly and the current Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, as defendants.
The unfolding political drama at the Assembly continues to generate tension in Lagos political circles.
