Tensions soared in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic return to the complex, accompanied by a group of louts who forcefully took control of the premises.
This development unfolded while the legitimate Speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda, and 34 lawmakers were at the Lagos High Court defending themselves in the lawsuit filed by Obasa.
Meranda Slams ‘Invasion,’ Calls for Due Process
Reacting to the incident, Speaker Meranda condemned the invasion, describing it as a “total show of shame” that should not be tolerated.
“We are already in court, and both parties have legal representation. We should allow the process to take its course,” she told journalists.
Despite the ongoing political crisis, Meranda reassured that the House remains intact, vowing to uphold legislative order. While acknowledging that Obasa is still a House member and has the right to attend plenary sessions, she questioned the manner in which he entered.
“The invasion and forceful entry into my office is a serious issue,” she stated.
Meranda also raised concerns about the sudden withdrawal of her security detail.
“As of this morning, I should have twelve policemen, four DSS officers, and two anti-riot officers. Now, I am left with just three or four policemen,” she revealed.
Obasa’s ‘Plenary’ Was A Farce – Meranda
Dismissing reports that Obasa held a plenary session with just three lawmakers, Meranda called the move political theatrics.
“In our job, a quorum is required to sit. If you are holding a session with just three or four members, you are only staging a performance,” she said.
For now, she indicated that the House might not convene until further notice, assuring that an official announcement would be made regarding the next sitting.
Court Will Expose the ‘Imposter’ – Ogundipe
Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, accused certain individuals of staging unnecessary drama.
“Our counsel was very clear in court—the person causing the chaos is an imposter. The court will expose his true identity soon,” he said.
He criticized Obasa’s camp for contradicting themselves, claiming there was no legal case while simultaneously appearing in court.
“The same person who initiated the lawsuit is now saying no court process exists. You also saw the drama his lawyers caused in court today. It’s unfortunate, but we will cross that bridge when we get there,” he added.
Lagos Assembly Stands Firm, Lawmakers Reassure Public
Ogundipe reassured Lagosians that the Assembly remains committed to upholding the law.
“We want the public to know that we are law-abiding and are doing everything possible to prevent this situation from escalating,” he stated.
Following the court session, lawmakers visited the Assembly complex for an inspection.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Fatai Mojeed confirmed that while Obasa had been at the complex the previous day, the House remained firmly under the control of its legitimate members.
Obasa Besieges Assembly Complex Again
In a related development, Obasa returned to the Assembly complex for the second time in two days, flanked by a large group of louts who stationed themselves around the premises.
Eyewitnesses reported that the group occupied both the interior and exterior of the complex, creating a tense atmosphere. Notably, legislative staff were absent from the premises.
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are now on the court proceedings and how the political battle for Lagos Assembly leadership will unfold.
