There is growing possibility that the Lagos State Assembly might reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker as pressure mount for Mojisola Meranda to step down.
This development comes as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly stormed the Assembly complex, sealing off her office.
Armed security personnel have also taken over the premises and surrounding areas in Alausa, Ikeja.
On January 13, Obasa was removed from his position due to allegations of gross misconduct and financial mismanagement.
In his place, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was appointed, marking a historic moment as she became the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The controversial impeachment of former Speaker Obasa’s removal has continued to spark tension within the House. Obasa has consistently rejected his impeachment, insisting it was unlawful.
A report from Daily Trust said, tleaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state especially the highest decision making body, GAC, have been divided over the removal of Obasa as the speaker and election of Meranda as a replacement.
The GAC held a marathon meeting with the house recently amidst report of planned of the reinstatement of Obasa.
This was corrobated in a cryptic post made by Channels Television’s Political Correspondent, Seun Okinbaloye on Monday via his X handle.
He said; “Resignation Looms in Lagos! It’s a matter of hours.”
Although the post lacked additional details, observers connected it to possible resignation of Meranda, suggesting that Obasa is making a comeback.
It is also, said that the invasion of the DSS at the Lagos Assembly on Monday is a political game to make Meranda resign her position to pave way for Obasa.
The DSS on Monday invaded the assembly complex and seal off sealed off the chamber and office of the Speaker.
The DSS officials who were later sighted inside the chamber were in a physical confrontation with legislative workers at the exit door of the chamber.
The lawmakers later forced their way into the chamber amid solidarity support from the assembly workers and a plenary was held presided by Meranda.
Meanwhile, the lawmakers has described the DSS invasion of the complex as a “rape of democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.”
During the plenary session attended by 36 members, the lawmakers demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the reasons behind the invasion.
They also called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the incident and provide the public with a comprehensive briefing on the findings. Additionally, the Assembly urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and prevent the situation from escalating further.
Expressing their outrage, the lawmakers unanimously condemned the invasion, describing it as an abuse of legislative procedure and a threat to democratic governance.
Speaking during the session, Hon. Abiodun Tobun said: “This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy. What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment.”
He further affirmed the lawmakers’ loyalty to the Speaker, saying: “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you.”
The lawmakers suggested that powerful and influential individuals or groups might be behind the incident, calling for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.
The House remained united in its stance, insisting on protecting the independence of the legislature and ensuring that such actions do not undermine democratic processes in the state.
