Tensions are high in Lagos as the State House of Assembly braces for a contentious session today, Monday, January 27.
The leadership battle between impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and newly elected Speaker Mojisola Meranda continues to deepen.
Obasa, ousted on January 13, 2025, by 35 of the Assembly’s 40 members over allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement, insists his removal was unconstitutional.
Over the weekend, he returned from an overseas trip, declaring his intention to resume as Speaker.
Addressing supporters in Ikeja, Obasa criticised the impeachment process and accused law enforcement of meddling in legislative matters.
“I am not afraid of being removed. Lagos is a special place; we cannot denigrate the state. They should prove their allegations against me and follow due process,” he stated.
However, lawmakers loyal to Meranda have maintained their stance, affirming her position as Speaker.
“Over two-thirds of the Assembly members remain solidly united behind Speaker Mojisola Meranda, and we stand firmly by the decision taken on January 13,” said Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, a former chairman of the House Committee on Information and Security.
Adding to the drama, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly endorsed the Assembly’s decision to impeach Obasa.
During a meeting with both factions in Abuja, Tinubu urged Obasa to vacate the Speaker’s official residence peacefully, in line with the Assembly’s resolution.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has tightened security at the Assembly Complex as lawmakers hold plenary on Monday (today), DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS has gathered.
Police pledge peace
The Lagos State Police Command has also said it will maintain order in the state irrespective of what transpires at the assembly on Monday.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olawale, in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday, said as much as the police had no business inside the assembly, it was his duty to maintain the calmness outside the assembly and everywhere in the state.
According to him, there won’t be any breakdown of law and order in the state. “That will not happen. I don’t see any breakdown of law in the state and if there is, it is inside the assembly and I am not allowed to enter the assembly. But outside the assembly, there won’t be any breakdown of law and order in Lagos State, in whatever location because that’s my job as a policeman.”
He added, “People will genuinely move about with their businesses, but anybody congregating anywhere to foment trouble will be decisively dispersed, and if they don’t (cooperate), they will be arrested if they conduct themselves in an unruly manner. Everyone has the right to assembly but there is also what we call law and order.”
The police also denied invading the residence of the former Speaker.
Obasa had on Saturday accused the Lagos CP of leading policemen to invade the Assembly and his residence on the day of his removal.
He alleged that over 200 policemen invaded his residences in the Agege area of the state and at the GRA, blocking the gate and preventing members of his family from going out of the house.
As Obasa prepares to attend today’s session, political observers keenly watch how this power struggle will unfold.
