Heavy Security at Lagos Assembly Amid Leadership Crisis as Ousted Speaker Obasa Seeks Reinstatement
The Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, is under heavy security following a deepening leadership crisis, as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa insists on being reinstated. The security measures come in anticipation of a crucial court hearing scheduled for March 7, 2025, which will address the ongoing legal battle over his controversial impeachment.
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Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Lagos State Task Force have been deployed in significant numbers to maintain order. Security personnel are conducting extensive checks on individuals and vehicles attempting to enter the Assembly complex, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the dispute.
The crisis stems from Obasa’s impeachment on January 13, 2025, following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power. In response, Obasa has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of his removal, arguing that the process was flawed. The Lagos State High Court will hear the case on March 7, with the outcome likely to have far-reaching implications for the Assembly’s leadership.
In the meantime, the situation has escalated, with speculation rife that the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, may resign in alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party’s internal zoning arrangements. On Monday, an emergency plenary session was convened amid growing uncertainty over the future of the Assembly’s leadership.
Security personnel have taken stringent measures to secure the premises, including cordoning off the area and thoroughly searching all individuals attempting to enter. While there were reports that journalists had been denied entry into the Assembly complex, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, denied these claims.
Hundeyin stated, “To prevent any breakdown of law and order, CP Olohundare Jimoh ordered the proactive deployment of human and operational resources to the House of Assembly. This is also to ensure tight security and prevent miscreants from causing mayhem.”
He further clarified that entry to the complex is permitted for journalists and anyone with legitimate business. The deployment of security personnel also includes a diversion of traffic around the Assembly to maintain control and prevent disturbances.
The heightened security and tensions surrounding the Assembly have impacted its operations, with civil servants instructed to work remotely until further notice. This disruption highlights the severity of the leadership dispute and its effects on the functioning of the Assembly.
The root of the crisis lies in internal power struggles within the APC and dissatisfaction among lawmakers over Obasa’s leadership style and alleged financial mismanagement. His ousting led to the election of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker by the majority of lawmakers. However, Obasa has refused to accept the outcome and made a dramatic return to the Assembly complex last week, accompanied by security forces. This move, widely seen as an attempt to reclaim his position, has only deepened the divide among lawmakers and heightened political tensions.
Key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, have reportedly weighed in on the matter, with some pushing for Obasa’s reinstatement despite resistance from factions within the Assembly. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of the court hearing on March 7 will likely play a pivotal role in determining the next steps in the ongoing crisis.
As the leadership struggle continues to unfold, the Lagos State House of Assembly finds itself in a state of limbo, with deepening divisions, growing political interference, and rising security concerns.
Reference
Heavy Security at Lagos Assembly Amid Leadership Crisis as Ousted Speaker Obasa Seeks Reinstatement