A leadership crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly intensified on Monday when operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian police forcefully entered the Assembly complex in Ikeja.
The security personnel, who arrived in significant numbers, sealed off crucial offices, including those of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the Clerk of the House.
Despite the tension, Mojisola Meranda, who was recently elected as Speaker, proceeded to preside over the day’s legislative session.
She entered the Assembly complex accompanied by a large group of supporters, receiving cheers as she confidently made her way to the chambers.
Video footage captured Meranda sitting at the head of the chamber, leading the session as Speaker.
The conflict at the Assembly began following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker. The event sparked political unrest within Lagos’ leadership. Obasa, who was abroad when the impeachment took place, has already contested the decision in court.
He has filed an urgent motion at the Ikeja High Court, seeking a swift hearing of the case.
In his lawsuit, Obasa claims that his removal was unlawful. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afolabi Fashanu, has named both the Lagos State House of Assembly and Speaker Mojisola Meranda as defendants. Obasa is asking the court to overturn his impeachment and restore him as Speaker.
According to POLITICS NIGERIA, security forces took control of the Assembly on Monday morning. Witnesses reported that DSS agents arrived around 10 a.m., effectively locking down the premises. Lawmakers and staff were temporarily barred from accessing their offices.
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