Segun Atanda/
Tension escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly early today as agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police stormed the premises, sealing the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk of the House.
The heightened security presence comes amid a deepening leadership crisis that has rocked the Assembly since the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The unfolding crisis has also led to a shake-up in the Lagos security apparatus. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olanrewaju Ishola, has been ordered to hand over to CP Moshood Jimoh, who previously oversaw the Ports Authority, Eastern Port. Similarly, the Directorate of State Services (DSS) has undergone a leadership change, with the deputy director assuming control from the outgoing director.
Adding to the chaos, a bomb scare at the Assembly earlier in the day sent shockwaves through Alausa, Ikeja. Security agents swiftly responded, heightening surveillance and frisking passersby around the legislative complex. Despite the heavy security presence, Speaker Meranda arrived at the premises with her convoy at about 11:15 AM.
The crisis stems from the January 13 impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed in absentia by 32 out of the 40 lawmakers while he was in the United States. His ouster has since been labeled a “coup” by President Bola Tinubu, further fueling division within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response, Obasa has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of his removal, urging the Lagos State High Court to expedite the case. His motion, filed on February 12, 2025, seeks multiple reliefs, including a ruling on whether the Assembly acted within constitutional and procedural bounds when it convened during recess to impeach him.
Obasa’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afolabi Fashanu, argues that the impeachment violated constitutional provisions, particularly concerning legislative proceedings and due process. The suit questions the legitimacy of the Assembly’s continued sessions under Speaker Meranda and calls for an urgent ruling to prevent legislative paralysis in the state.
The impeachment has exposed deep fractures within the APC in Lagos. The influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which advises the party on key decisions, remains divided over Obasa’s removal. Some members support Meranda’s leadership, while others insist on reinstating the former Speaker.
Political analysts warn that the crisis could impact the stability of Lagos governance and may set a precedent for future power struggles within the state’s political framework.
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