The embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday presided over a plenary session with only four lawmake
The embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday presided over a plenary session with only four lawmakers in attendance.
The session took place after security personnel forcibly opened the doors to the chamber, allowing Obasa and his allies to enter.
Meanwhile, more than 26 other lawmakers were present within the assembly complex but deliberately refrained from joining the plenary. Their absence was seen as a show of loyalty and support for the substantive Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
IvoryNG reported that Obasa announced his return as the leader of the state legislature, further escalating the leadership crisis within the Assembly.
He made the declaration earlier today after arriving at the assembly complex with security escorts from the police and the Department of State Services, DSS, for the first time since his removal on January 13.
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa asserted after settling into the Speaker’s office around noon, accompanied by security operatives.
His return coincided with the withdrawal of security details assigned to the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, raising speculations about a shift in power dynamics within the Assembly.
The Lagos Assembly has been embroiled in turmoil following Obasa’s impeachment and the subsequent election of Meranda, who was his deputy.
Majority of lawmakers, over 90 percent, accused Obasa of high-handedness, frequent absenteeism, abuse of office, intimidation of colleagues, and strained relations with both lawmakers and the executive, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
