The Lagos State House of Assembly has become the epicenter of a political storm as the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force took over the legislative complex on Monday, February 17, 2025. The dramatic move saw the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House sealed off, sparking widespread tension and raising questions about the future of the Assembly’s leadership. This development comes amid a deepening crisis following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the subsequent election of Meranda as his replacement.
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The DSS Intervention: A Response to Security Threats
According to official statements, the DSS operatives were invited by the Lagos State House of Assembly to address potential security threats. A letter dated February 14, 2025, signed by the Acting Clerk, A.T.B. Ottun, revealed that the Assembly had received credible intelligence indicating plans to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on February 18, 2025. The letter, addressed to the DSS and other security agencies, requested enhanced security measures to prevent any breach of peace or disruption of legislative activities.
The DSS confirmed that its presence was in response to this request, emphasizing that its operatives were deployed to maintain order and ensure the safety of lawmakers and staff. The security agency dismissed claims of a unilateral invasion, stating that its actions were in line with the Assembly’s appeal for heightened security.
The Leadership Crisis: Obasa’s Impeachment and Meranda’s Rise
The current crisis traces its roots to the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, while he was abroad. Obasa, who had served as Speaker for several years, was removed by 32 out of 40 lawmakers over allegations of corruption and abuse of office. His removal paved the way for Mojisola Meranda to make history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, Obasa has refused to accept his impeachment, challenging its legality in court. On February 12, 2025, he filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, seeking an expedited hearing of his case. His legal team, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), argued that his removal violated constitutional provisions and the Assembly’s standing rules.
Tensions Escalate: Sealed Offices and Plenary Under Tight Security
The DSS’s takeover of the Assembly complex on Monday morning added fuel to the already volatile situation. Heavily armed operatives sealed off the offices of Speaker Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk, preventing access to the chambers for several hours. Despite the blockade, Meranda managed to preside over a plenary session later in the day, with 32 lawmakers in attendance. The session, held under tight security, saw lawmakers express their support for Meranda and condemn the invasion as an “assault on democracy”.
The plenary, which took place in the garden outside the chambers due to the security lockdown, was marked by heated debates and calls for intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly. Lawmakers described the DSS’s actions as an embarrassment to democratic principles and urged those dissatisfied with the leadership change to seek redress in court rather than resorting to intimidation.
Political Fallout: Divided APC and Calls for Resolution
The crisis has exposed deep divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. The party’s highest decision-making body, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), has been unable to reach a consensus on the matter. While some members support Obasa’s reinstatement, others have thrown their weight behind Meranda, creating a stalemate that threatens to destabilize the party’s unity.
President Bola Tinubu, a key figure in Lagos politics, has been called upon to intervene and restore stability. However, his silence on the matter has fueled speculation about his stance on the crisis. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council has admitted that the situation has spiraled out of control, further complicating efforts to resolve the impasse.
What Lies Ahead?
As the Lagos State House of Assembly adjourns its sitting indefinitely, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty. The ongoing legal battle between Obasa and the Assembly, coupled with the DSS’s continued presence, suggests that the crisis is far from over. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the Assembly can overcome its internal divisions and restore normalcy or if the leadership tussle will escalate into a full-blown constitutional crisis.
For now, all eyes are on the courts, the APC leadership, and President Tinubu, whose actions—or inaction—could shape the future of Lagos State politics. As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the Lagos State House of Assembly is at a crossroads, and its decisions in the weeks ahead will have far-reaching implications for democracy in Nigeria.
This blog post synthesizes key details from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly. For further updates, stay tuned to reliable news outlets.
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