DSS Seals Lagos Assembly Speaker’s Office Amid Political Turmoil
LAGOS—In a dramatic turn of events, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Police stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, sealing the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House.
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By 10:00 a.m., security personnel had taken full control of the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, conducting stringent security checks on all individuals entering the premises. Despite the heavy security presence, Speaker Meranda arrived at her office at approximately 11:15 a.m.
The development follows the ongoing legal battle initiated by the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who has challenged his removal in court. Obasa, who was impeached in absentia by 32 out of 40 Assembly members on January 13, 2025, while on a trip to the United States, has described the process as a political coup. His removal has deepened internal divisions within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
Legal Battle Over Speakership
Obasa has filed a suit at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, seeking an expedited hearing on the matter. His application, dated February 12, 2025, names the Lagos State House of Assembly and Mojisola Meranda as defendants.
In the suit, Obasa, through his lead counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), is requesting:
A fixed date for the accelerated hearing of the originating summons.
An order reducing the response time for the defendants to seven days.
An order allowing him to file his reply within three days of receiving the defendants’ processes.
Obasa argues that his impeachment violated several constitutional provisions, including Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly. His contention is that the Assembly was in recess at the time of his removal, making the impeachment proceedings unconstitutional.
Political Intrigues and Power Struggle
The DSS’s intervention underscores the high stakes in the power struggle within Lagos’ political elite. The security clampdown at the Assembly comes amid increasing factional disputes within the APC, with some party leaders questioning the legitimacy of Meranda’s speakership.
The suit argues that the impeachment was carried out without due process and raises concerns about the legality of the Assembly’s continued sittings under Meranda’s leadership. Obasa insists that his case should be heard urgently to prevent legislative paralysis in the state.
“This action challenges the constitutionality of the Assembly’s sitting on January 13, 2025, during recess, without the Speaker reconvening the House or delegating such authority,” the suit states. It further asserts that public interest demands an urgent resolution, as prolonged uncertainty could destabilize governance in Lagos.
Uncertain Future for Lagos Assembly
The unfolding crisis highlights the fragility of political arrangements in Nigeria’s most influential state. The abrupt impeachment, the swift emergence of a new Speaker, and the subsequent security intervention raise questions about the rule of law and internal democracy within the APC.
While Obasa insists that his removal was unlawful and seeks reinstatement, the state’s political machinery appears determined to move forward without him. However, with the courts now involved and security agencies tightening their grip on the Assembly, the controversy is far from over.
As the legal battle unfolds, Lagosians watch closely, aware that the outcome could set a significant precedent for political power shifts in the state and beyond.
Reference
DSS Seals Lagos Assembly Speaker’s Office Amid Political Turmoil