Lagos Assembly Crisis: Meranda Condemns Obasa’s ‘Show of Shame’ Over Police-Assisted Takeover

 

Lagos Assembly Crisis: Meranda Condemns Obasa’s ‘Show of Shame’ Over Police-Assisted Takeover

The political turmoil rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Thursday, February 27, 2025, as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stormed the assembly complex with a convoy of heavily armed police officers. This brazen move, which included a controversial plenary session with only four lawmakers, has been widely condemned by political stakeholders, including current Speaker Mojisola Meranda, who labeled it a “show of shame.”




Obasa’s Controversial Return: A Power Play Unfolds

At approximately 11:30 AM, Obasa, who was impeached on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct, arrived at the assembly complex, flanked by a contingent of police officers and civil defence operatives. Sources indicate that Obasa, determined to reclaim his position, forcefully gained access to the Speaker’s office, throwing the assembly into chaos.

Despite the House being on an indefinite recess, Obasa attempted to hold a questionable plenary session with only four lawmakers present—far below the required quorum of 20 members. Reports also confirm that no official notice was issued for the session, and the mace—the recognized symbol of legislative authority—was absent, rendering any decisions made null and void.

This move has sparked outrage within the legislative and political spheres, raising concerns about the integrity of democratic processes in Lagos State.

Speaker Meranda’s Strong Rebuke: ‘A Blatant Assault on Democracy’

Reacting swiftly, Speaker Mojisola Meranda did not mince words, calling Obasa’s actions a direct assault on legislative order and democratic governance. Addressing the media, Meranda lambasted the former Speaker, stating that his police-backed incursion was a desperate act that undermines the credibility of the assembly and makes a mockery of due process.

“This reckless invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly is a disgrace to our democracy. Conducting a sham plenary with only four members, without due legislative protocol, is nothing short of a show of shame,” Meranda declared.

Her remarks reflect the sentiments of a majority of lawmakers who view Obasa’s actions as a threat to legislative stability and a desperate attempt to hold onto power.

Assembly Members Reject Obasa’s Session

In a unified response, 35 lawmakers rejected Obasa’s purported plenary session, reaffirming their loyalty to Speaker Meranda. In a strongly worded statement, Assembly Spokesperson Steve Ogundipe denounced Obasa’s actions as illegitimate, pointing out the blatant disregard for legislative procedures.

According to Ogundipe, the session:

  • Lacked proper notification to all members.
  • Did not meet the quorum requirement of 20 lawmakers.
  • Had no legal authority, as the official mace was absent.

“A sitting without quorum, notice, or the mace is unconstitutional. Whatever transpired in that illegal session is null and void,” Ogundipe asserted. (Punch)

Presidential Pressure and Political Underpinnings

The crisis has taken a new dimension with allegations of political interference from the presidency. Reports suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed displeasure over Obasa’s impeachment, leading to increased pressure on Speaker Meranda to step aside. This raises serious questions about the independence of the Lagos State legislature and the extent to which external forces influence its affairs.

Security Shake-Up: Speaker Meranda Left Unprotected

Adding to the controversy, security arrangements within the assembly complex have been abruptly altered. Reports confirm that:

  • All security aides attached to Speaker Meranda have been withdrawn, leaving her without official protection.
  • Obasa’s security detail has been reinstated, enabling his forceful return to the assembly.

This sudden shift in security has raised fears of a deeper plot to destabilize Meranda’s leadership, further escalating tensions within the legislative arm of government.

Legal Showdown: Lawmakers Take the Battle to Court

With tensions at an all-time high, 35 lawmakers have taken legal action to uphold Meranda’s leadership, filing a lawsuit to challenge Obasa’s impeachment reversal attempts. Legal analysts suggest that this case will set a significant precedent regarding the limits of executive interference in state legislative affairs.

As court proceedings unfold, political watchers anticipate a landmark ruling that could either cement the independence of the Lagos Assembly or further entrench external political influence. (Arbiterz)

What’s Next?

The unfolding crisis within the Lagos Assembly has far-reaching implications for governance in Nigeria’s commercial hub. With tensions still simmering, stakeholders and political analysts warn that if left unresolved, this power struggle could destabilize the legislative process and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

For now, all eyes are on the judiciary and the political actors involved. Will Speaker Meranda withstand the mounting political pressure, or will Obasa’s controversial return signal a shift in Lagos State’s legislative power structure? Only time will tell.

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