Chaos Unfolds as Ousted Speaker Obasa Storms Lagos Assembly with Armed Police
The Lagos State House of Assembly was thrown into utter confusion on Thursday as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa allegedly attempted to forcefully resume his duties. Arriving at the Assembly complex around 11:30 AM, Obasa was accompanied by a heavy contingent of armed police officers and personnel from the Civil Defence Corps.
This sudden and dramatic entrance sent shockwaves through the legislative body, especially with the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, conspicuously absent from the scene. Obasa’s return seemed to be more than just a symbolic gesture, as sources confirmed that loyalists of the ousted Speaker, including two lawmakers from Mushin Constituency – Ayinde Akinsanya and Noheem Adams – accompanied him to the complex.
In an unexpected turn, Obasa’s supporters forcibly opened the doors to the Speaker’s office, signaling their intent to take control. Meanwhile, armed miscreants were reportedly seen in the vicinity, further escalating the tension. Access roads to the complex were blocked by individuals believed to be Obasa’s loyalists, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
Though the Assembly is currently on an indefinite recess, the doors to the Speaker’s office had been forced open by Obasa’s faction, claiming the office as their own. The move is seen as part of an ongoing leadership tussle that has plagued the Assembly since the removal of Obasa on January 13, 2025.
The crisis deepened as security personnel attached to Speaker Mojisola Meranda were withdrawn earlier that morning. The abrupt removal of her security details, including both police and DSS officers, has left her exposed to possible threats from the emboldened Obasa faction. Her aides voiced grave concerns, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to step in and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Adding fuel to the fire, the drama didn’t end with Obasa’s return. On Wednesday, Olalekan Onafeko, the suspended Clerk of the House, also made an attempt to reclaim his position. Accompanied by a lawyer and security personnel, Onafeko was turned away by Assembly staff, who made it clear that the matter was already in court.
The situation has led to widespread condemnation from all quarters. The Assembly’s management, in a statement, expressed deep concern over the unfolding events. Stakeholders are now calling for urgent intervention to restore order, ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda, and prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The ongoing struggle for control of the Lagos State House of Assembly reflects deepening fractures within the political landscape, with intervention from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the APC proving unsuccessful in resolving the standoff. As the tensions continue to rise, the future of the Assembly and its leadership hangs in the balance.
