Security has been heightened at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex ahead of a crucial plenary session today, Monday, January 27, 2025. This development follows escalating tensions surrounding the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Obasa, who was ousted on January 13 by a majority of lawmakers over alleged misconduct and financial improprieties, has continued to claim he remains the rightful Speaker. The former Speaker was replaced by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, who has presided over two plenary sessions since his removal.
Speaking on Saturday, Obasa dismissed the allegations against him, describing them as baseless. Addressing his supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge in Ikeja, he insisted, “My status in the house? I believe strongly I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way, and I will not contest it.”
Obasa also rejected claims of financial misconduct, citing examples of alleged inflated contracts. “Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico,” he said.
In anticipation of today’s session, the Assembly issued a notice requiring all staff and legislative aides to present valid identification for entry, a measure aimed at ensuring order.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has pledged to maintain peace across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olawale, stated that while the police would not interfere inside the Assembly, they were prepared to address any disruptions outside the complex.
According to him, “there won’t be any breakdown of law and order in the state. That will not happen. I don’t see any breakdown of law in the state and if there is, it is inside the assembly and I am not allowed to enter the assembly. But outside the assembly, there won’t be any breakdown of law and order in Lagos State, in whatever location because that’s my job as a policeman.”
He added, “People will genuinely move about with their businesses, but anybody congregating anywhere to foment trouble will be decisively dispersed, and if they don’t (cooperate), they will be arrested if they conduct themselves in an unruly manner. Everyone has the right to assembly but there is also what we call law and order.”
Obasa has also accused the police of raiding his residence on the day of his removal, a claim the police have denied.
The CP countered, saying, “The man lives within an estate, so that means before you get to his house, you must have breached the gate of that estate. There are gatemen in the estate, why don’t you find out? 200 policemen? How many policemen do I have? Have you asked that question?” the CP queried.
“Whatever happens there (in the assembly) has nothing to do with the police. They have ways they check themselves in and I don’t believe anybody who has no business inside the assembly is allowed in. They have their sergeants at hand who coordinate the conduct of the assembly.
“The law does not permit me to supervise or even intervene in what happens inside the assembly. It has nothing to do with me as a policeman,” the CP added.
According to him, Lagos is calm and “it’s my job to keep it calm and that’s what I’m going to do, that’s what I’m doing.”
Reports indicate efforts are underway to resolve the political impasse. Sources reveal Obasa and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) are set to meet with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday to discuss a resolution.
