Chaos erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa attempted to resume duty, accompanied by heavily armed police officers and civil defence personnel.
The incident occurred around 11:30 AM, with Obasa arriving at the Assembly complex despite the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, being absent.
Two lawmakers, Ayinde Akinsanya (Osmak) and Noheem Adams, supported Obasa’s move, while his loyalists forced open the doors to the Speaker’s office. The access roads to the complex were also taken over by suspected loyalists, causing motorists to use alternative routes.
The situation has raised concerns, with an aide to Speaker Meranda revealing that security personnel, including police officers and DSS operatives, were withdrawn on Thursday morning without replacement. “In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn. This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” the aide disclosed.
The aide appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene urgently, saying, “This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis… we appeal to the Governor to intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.”
As tensions rise, stakeholders are calling for immediate action to restore order and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the Assembly complex.
