For the second day in a row, the Lagos State House of Assembly was thrown into chaos as Mudashiru Obasa, the embattled Speaker who was recently impeached, stormed the Assembly complex with armed security operatives and a handful of supporters. The tense atmosphere saw legislative staff vacating their offices in fear, as the leadership crisis within the House deepened.
Meanwhile, efforts to resolve the dispute are underway. The All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus committee, led by Chief Bisi Akande, alongside the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), is actively working on a resolution. Speaking on the matter, GAC Chairman, Pa Tajudeen Olusi, criticized the lawmakers for carrying out Obasa’s impeachment without consulting the party or the advisory body.
Obasa Breaks In, Holds ‘Plenary’ with Just Four Members
On Thursday, in a dramatic move, Obasa presided over a plenary session attended by only four members after forcefully breaking the locks to the legislative chamber and Speaker’s office. The embattled politician returned again on Friday at noon, adjourning the House indefinitely on a motion moved by his faction’s Majority Leader, Noheem Adams.
However, across town, the new Speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda, and 35 lawmakers loyal to her were in court defending the legality of Obasa’s impeachment. The former Speaker had earlier approached the Lagos High Court, claiming his removal was illegal as it happened while he was out of the country.
Legal Battle Intensifies
Obasa, through his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, filed a case challenging his impeachment, arguing that it violated due process. In response, Meranda’s legal team, led by Professor Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and a formidable lineup of senior advocates, countered his claims.
The Lagos High Court, presided over by Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro, has now scheduled March 7 to hear all pending applications related to the case.
Meranda’s Camp Condemns ‘Invasion’
Reacting to Obasa’s forceful re-entry into the Assembly, the House leadership issued a statement condemning what it described as an ‘unsanctioned invasion.’
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace as the symbol of legislative authority. None of these requirements were met during the purported session, making it unconstitutional,” the statement, signed by House spokesman Hon. Steve Ogundipe, read.
The statement reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to due process and declared full support for Speaker Meranda. It dismissed speculation of her resignation, insisting she remains firmly in office with the backing of 36 lawmakers.
‘A Show of Shame’ – Meranda Fires Back
Meranda did not hold back in her response to Obasa’s return, describing it as “a total show of shame.” She emphasized that while Obasa remains a member of the Assembly, his actions—breaking into the chamber and attempting to hold a session—were unacceptable.
She also raised concerns about her security detail, noting that her convoy, usually comprising 12 policemen, four DSS officers, and two anti-riot officers, had been drastically reduced to just four policemen.
“It’s alarming,” she said. “But regardless of the theatrics, the rule of law must prevail.”
‘Court Will Expose the Impostor’ – House Leadership
Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, accused Obasa of staging unnecessary drama.
“Our counsel was very clear in court. The person causing the drama is an impostor, and I am sure the court will expose the truth,” he said.
He dismissed Obasa’s actions as mere theatrics, adding that any attempt to disrupt the Assembly’s proceedings would not be tolerated.
GAC Distances Itself from Impeachment
Meanwhile, GAC Chairman Pa Tajudeen Olusi distanced the advisory body from Obasa’s removal, insisting that the lawmakers acted independently without consulting the party leadership.
“We were not behind Obasa’s impeachment. The lawmakers carried it out on their own,” he stated, adding that the APC leadership is now working to resolve the matter through a high-powered committee led by Chief Bisi Akande.
As tensions remain high, all eyes are now on the Lagos High Court, which will determine the legality of Obasa’s removal on March 7. Until then, the battle for control of the Lagos State House of Assembly rages on.
