The Lagos State House of Assembly is currently facing a significant crisis, marked by the withdrawal of all security personnel assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda. This unsettling development occurs amidst ongoing leadership disputes within the Assembly and raises concerns about the Speaker’s safety.
An aide to Speaker Meranda confirmed that the security details, which included police officers and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), were unexpectedly withdrawn on Thursday morning without any replacements. The aide expressed alarm over this situation, emphasizing the increased vulnerability the Speaker now faces amid the ongoing leadership turmoil.
The aide has called upon Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who serves as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take immediate action to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.
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The crisis intensified on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko, the former and suspended Clerk of the House, attempted to return to his post at the Assembly complex. He was, however, denied entry by security personnel. Witnesses reported that Onafeko, who was removed alongside former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, arrived at the complex with his lawyer and security personnel but was asked to leave peacefully due to the ongoing legal proceedings regarding his status.
A viral video showed Assembly staff expressing their disapproval of Onafeko as he left, indicating the strong sentiments surrounding the situation. In response, Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu released a statement condemning the incident involving Onafeko.
The crisis originates from the January 13 removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by a majority of Assembly members. Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker. Despite attempts to mediate the leadership conflict by figures including President Bola Tinubu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), as well as Governor Sanwo-Olu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), a resolution has not yet been achieved.
As tensions remain high, various stakeholders are urging immediate measures to restore order and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the Assembly complex.
