Lagos State House of Assembly Orders Remote Work Amid Leadership Crisis

In a dramatic turn of events, the Lagos State House of Assembly has instructed all legislative staff to work remotely indefinitely. This decision follows a protracted power struggle that has thrown the Assembly into turmoil, raising concerns about governance stability and legislative continuity.

The leadership crisis began when a faction of 32 lawmakers orchestrated the sudden removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Clerk Olalekan Onafeko. In a swift move, Mojisola Meranda, formerly Deputy Speaker, was appointed as Obasa’s successor. This unexpected power shift ignited fierce political tensions, polarizing the Assembly and setting the stage for an extended battle for control.

The crisis reached a boiling point on February 17, 2025, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the Assembly complex, sealing it off to prevent a scheduled plenary session. Lawmakers, determined to assert their authority, forcibly entered the premises and held an emergency session, only to adjourn indefinitely shortly after. This dramatic standoff highlighted the depth of the crisis, raising concerns over potential security threats within the legislative precinct.

As tensions escalated, Acting Clerk Babatunde Ottun issued a formal memorandum on March 2, 2025, instructing all legislative aides and House of Assembly staff, including those under the Lagos State House of Assembly Commission (LAHASCOM), to work remotely until further notice. The directive, titled "Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement," was framed as a precautionary measure to protect staff and maintain operational continuity.

Refusing to concede defeat, Mudashiru Obasa has challenged his removal, branding it unconstitutional. On February 27, 2025, he made a forceful re-entry into the Assembly complex, accompanied by security personnel, and reclaimed the Speaker’s office. His supporters rallied outside the complex, demanding his reinstatement.

Determined to reclaim his position, Obasa has filed a legal suit against Speaker Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, contesting his removal. The case is scheduled for a hearing on March 7, 2025, at the Ikeja High Court—a pivotal legal battle that could shape the future of the Assembly.

Despite the internal strife, the Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, has officially acknowledged the new leadership, urging all Assembly staff to cooperate with Speaker Mojisola Meranda and Acting Clerk Babatunde Ottun. This move is seen as an attempt to stabilize the institution and restore normalcy amidst the ongoing turmoil.

This leadership battle extends beyond individual ambitions—it underscores a critical struggle for power within Lagos State's political landscape. The decision to shift to remote work reflects the severity of the situation, highlighting the fragility of legislative governance in the face of internal disputes.

The current state of affairs poses pressing questions about governance stability in Lagos. As lawmakers and political stakeholders seek resolution, the outcome of the impending court case will determine whether the Assembly can move forward or remain trapped in a protracted leadership dispute.

The unfolding drama in the Lagos State House of Assembly serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of political power struggles. Whether this crisis will resolve itself through legal means or result in further discord remains to be seen. For now, legislative operations remain in limbo, with remote work serving as a temporary band-aid over deep-seated fractures in the Assembly's leadership.

With the court ruling imminent, all eyes remain on the Ikeja High Court as the legal battle unfolds, determining whether Obasa will reclaim his seat or if the new leadership will stand firm. Until then, the Lagos Assembly finds itself caught in a political storm, with the future of legislative governance hanging in the balance.