The power struggle in the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a shocking turn, as security operatives assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda were abruptly withdrawn, leaving her exposed amid escalating tensions.
Sources close to the Speaker revealed that police officers and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives assigned to her were removed on Thursday morning without explanation or replacement.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we were stunned to learn that all security personnel attached to Madam Speaker had been pulled out, leaving her vulnerable amid this ongoing crisis,” a concerned aide disclosed.
With no security protection in place, calls have intensified for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.
Meanwhile, tensions flared at the Assembly complex on Wednesday when suspended Clerk Olalekan Onafeko made a dramatic attempt to reclaim his office. Arriving with his lawyer and security personnel, including unidentified DSS operatives, Onafeko was met with resistance and was politely turned away.
“He was informed by the Assembly’s lawyer that the matter is in court and was asked to leave peacefully,” an eyewitness recounted.
A viral video captured Assembly staff jeering at Onafeko, chanting unfavorable slogans as he exited the premises.
The crisis traces back to January 13, when former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was removed by 32 out of 40 lawmakers, paving the way for Mojisola Meranda’s election as Speaker. Despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), a resolution remains elusive.
With uncertainty looming and security concerns mounting, all eyes are on Lagos’ leadership to de-escalate the crisis and ensure stability in the Assembly.
