Security Operatives Take Over Lagos Assembly Premises
The Department of State Security (DSS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday morning, sealing the offices of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk of the house.
By 10 AM, armed security personnel had taken full control of the premises at Alausa, Ikeja, thoroughly frisking every passerby. Despite the heavy security presence, Speaker Mojisola Meranda arrived at the assembly complex with her convoy at 11:15 AM.
Legal Battle Over Former Speaker’s Removal
The dramatic turn of events follows the ongoing legal battle initiated by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who is challenging his removal from office.
Obasa, who was ousted in absentia by 32 out of 40 state lawmakers on January 13, 2025, filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, seeking an expedited hearing of his case. He argues that his impeachment, carried out while he was in the United States, was unconstitutional.
Court Case and Constitutional Arguments
Obasa’s lawsuit, filed by his legal team led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), seeks several court orders, including:
- A fixed date for an expedited hearing of the case.
- An abridgment of time for the defendants to file their responses within 7 days.
- An abridgment of time for the plaintiff to reply within 3 days.
The suit questions the legality of the January 13 proceedings, arguing that the Lagos Assembly violated constitutional provisions, including:
- Section 36 (Right to Fair Hearing)
- Section 90 (Establishment of House of Assembly)
- Section 92(2)(c) (Removal of Speaker Procedures)
- Section 101 (Rules of Proceedings)
- Section 311 (Transitional Provisions)
Obasa insists that his impeachment during a recess, without his directive to reconvene the House, was unconstitutional and calls for an urgent determination of the matter in public interest.
Political Divide Over the Crisis
The crisis has sparked division within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the top political decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. While some support Obasa’s removal, others see it as a political coup.
Meanwhile, security operatives continue to maintain a strong presence at the Lagos Assembly, adding to the tension surrounding the political power struggle.