Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, is reportedly under intense pressure to resign, with sources indicating she may step down today.
This development comes as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the Assembly complex, sealing off Meranda’s office.
Armed security personnel have also taken control of the premises in Alausa, Ikeja, further escalating tensions within the legislative body.
The crisis follows the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, an action that has caused division among lawmakers.
Obasa, who has rejected his removal, may be reinstated amid high-level political intervention, including from President Bola Tinubu.
In addition to Meranda’s office, sources confirmed that the DSS also sealed off the offices of her deputy and the clerk of the House. As of press time, today’s plenary had yet to commence.
The crisis in the Assembly has persisted since Obasa’s impeachment on January 13 over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
However, his removal has caused deep rifts within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, particularly among members of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Amid reports of a possible reinstatement of Obasa, the GAC recently held a marathon meeting with lawmakers, further fueling speculation about the Assembly’s leadership crisis.
Obasa has taken legal action to challenge his removal, filing a suit at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court.
His motion, filed on February 12, 2025, names the Lagos State House of Assembly and Meranda as defendants.
Represented by his legal team led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Obasa is seeking several court orders, including: An expedited hearing of the originating summons, a court order reducing the time for defendants to file responses to seven days, a further order shortening the time for him to submit a reply on points of law to three days after receiving the defendants’ responses.
The legal battle hinges on the interpretation of various constitutional provisions and the Lagos State House of Assembly’s Standing Orders.
As the political drama continues to unfold, all eyes remain on the Lagos Assembly to see whether Meranda will resign and if Obasa will make a dramatic return as Speaker.
