Lagos, Nigeria – Amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly, ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic appearance at the Assembly Complex on Thursday, escorted by a heavy security detail.
Obasa, who had not been seen in the legislative chambers since his removal on January 13, 2025, arrived with a contingent of armed, stern-looking security personnel. Outside the complex, his supporters gathered in large numbers, chanting in solidarity as he made his way into the building.
Obasa was removed as Speaker in January when over two-thirds of the 40-member House voted him out over alleged misconduct and other offenses. Following his impeachment, his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was elected as the new Speaker, making history as the first female to hold the position in Lagos State.
Political Consultations and Fallout
A day after assuming office, Speaker Meranda met with members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) at Lagos House, Marina, to brief them on the situation and seek their support. She has since also met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to solidify her leadership.
Obasa, however, has continued to reject his removal, insisting that due process was not followed. At a press conference on January 25, he claimed that the impeachment process was flawed, particularly as it occurred in his absence while he was out of the country.
Despite his protests, 36 lawmakers loyal to Meranda have maintained that his removal stands. On February 17, tensions escalated at the Assembly Complex when security operatives clashed with some legislative workers over the presence of the former Speaker. That same day, the lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda and subsequently adjourned sittings indefinitely.
Security Concerns and Allegations
In a new twist, Meranda’s aide, Victor Ganzallo, has accused the police of withdrawing all security personnel assigned to the Speaker and the Assembly complex without explanation. In a statement, he raised concerns over the safety of Meranda and other lawmakers, questioning whether the move was politically motivated.
“The timing of the withdrawal of security, combined with the hostile actions of the former Speaker and his associates, raises the question: Is this politically motivated, or is this part of a larger strategy to destabilize the current administration?” Ganzallo stated.
The Lagos State Police Command has yet to make an official statement on the matter.
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