The ongoing crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a dramatic turn with the withdrawal of all security details assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda. This development, occurring amid a leadership dispute within the Assembly, has left the Speaker vulnerable to potential threats.
A confidential source close to the Speaker confirmed to newsmen that, on Thursday morning, all security personnel, including police officers and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), were removed without any replacements. “In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn. This includes both police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amidst the ongoing speakership crisis,” the aide revealed.
The aide also appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take immediate action to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
The crisis escalated on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko, the former and suspended Clerk of the House, attempted to resume duty at the Assembly complex. However, he was politely turned away by security personnel. Onafeko, who was removed along with former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, allegedly arrived at the complex around 9 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer, two security personnel, and unidentified DSS operatives, in an attempt to reclaim his office.
An eyewitness described how Onafeko was told by the Assembly’s lawyer to leave the premises peacefully, as the matter is already in court. A viral video later showed Assembly staff booing and jeering at Onafeko, chanting unfavorable slogans as he was escorted out.
In response to this incident, the management of the Lagos State House of Assembly issued a statement signed by Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu, condemning the development.
The crisis began with the January 13 removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by 32 out of 40 members of the Assembly. Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker. Despite attempts to resolve the leadership dispute through interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), no resolution has been reached.
As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders are urging for urgent action to restore order and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the Assembly complex.
