Thirty-six out of the forty members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have reaffirmed their support for Speaker Mojisola Meranda, despite the forceful return of ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The lawmakers gathered at the Assembly garden on Thursday, insisting that their February 17 vote of confidence in Meranda remains valid.
Obasa, who was previously removed from office, allegedly regained access to the Speaker’s office with the help of armed men and suspected political thugs. His unexpected return has caused significant tension within the Assembly complex.
A lawmaker, who chose to remain anonymous, noted that members are determined to ensure Obasa’s removal is final.
“He was not elected as Speaker by his constituency. We endured his master-slave leadership for nearly a decade. Now, we’ve had enough, and we’re not backing down,” the lawmaker stated.
Meanwhile, two lawmakers, Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II), were seen accompanying Obasa into the Assembly complex.
Reports indicate that his loyalists forced their way into the Speaker’s office while suspected thugs occupied key areas of the premises. Armed individuals were also spotted threatening to seize all offices in the Assembly.
The situation worsened as suspected Obasa supporters arrived in unmarked Kombi buses and blocked access roads leading to the Assembly complex, forcing motorists to find alternative routes.
Reacting to the development, Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, condemned the incident and called for calm.
“This is Lagos, the State House of Assembly. We are shocked by what is happening today. If there is an issue, leadership should address us directly, not subject us to this charade,” Ogundipe stated.
He described the disruption as an embarrassment, recalling how security personnel prevented him from entering the Assembly complex.
“We reject Obasa in totality,” he declared.
However, addressing the press, Obasa denied being impeached and maintained that he remains the legitimate Speaker.
“I was on vacation, and I am back, which means the House is in session. There is nothing like impeachment. Any attempt to remove me must follow due process,” Obasa stated.
He also insisted that he holds no grudges against his colleagues and reaffirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains united.
“Obasa is the Speaker,” he concluded.
