Tensions soared at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, flanked by heavily armed police and civil defence officers, stormed the complex in a dramatic bid to reclaim his position.
Obasa, who was ousted in January, arrived around 11:30 AM with two lawmakers and a group of alleged loyalists, forcing open the doors to the Speaker’s office. The move threw the Assembly into chaos, especially as the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was notably absent.
Eyewitnesses reported that suspected Obasa supporters had taken over access roads, blocking traffic and raising security concerns. The crisis escalated further when reports emerged that security details assigned to Speaker Meranda had been withdrawn, leaving her vulnerable amid the ongoing leadership tussle.
The drama comes just a day after suspended Clerk Olalekan Onafeko was turned away while attempting to resume duty, facing jeers from Assembly staff. Despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and top APC leaders, the leadership battle remains unresolved, fueling uncertainty within the state legislature.
With rising tensions, urgent calls have been made for intervention to prevent a full-blown crisis.
