The Lagos State House of Assembly is embroiled in a crisis that has thrust the state’s legislative arm into the spotlight. On Thursday, February 27, 2025, all police escorts, assigned to Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, along with security personnel guarding the Assembly complex, were abruptly withdrawn without explanation. This move h left the Speaker and the legislative house vulnerable, igniting widespread concern about the motives driving this action and signaling a dangerous shift in Lagos’ political dynamics.
The withdrawal coincided with heightened tensions stemming from an ongoing power struggle between Meranda, the state’s first female Speaker, and her predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa, who was impeached on January 13, 2025. As the situation escalates, questions about political motivations, and the safety of the state house officials have taken center stage.
The Press Release: A Cry for Accountability
In response to these alarming events, Victor Ganzallo, Special Adviser on Information to the Speaker, issued a press release titled “HOSTILE TAKEOVER: POLICE WITHDRAWAL FROM LAGOS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AND INTIMIDATION OF SPEAKER, RT. HON. MOJISOLA MERANDA, SIGNALS DANGEROUS SHIFT IN LAGOS POLITICAL DYNAMICS.” The statement paints a vivid picture of a legislative body under siege, accusing unseen forces of orchestrating a deliberate effort to undermine Meranda’s leadership.
Part of the press release reads:
“In an alarming and unprecedented turn of events, all the police escorts assigned to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, as well as the security personnel guarding the Assembly complex, have been withdrawn without any explanation. This sudden action has left the Speaker and the entire legislative house dangerously exposed, raising serious concerns about the motives behind this decision. … The timing of the withdrawal of security, combined with the hostile actions of the former Speaker and his associates, raises the question: Is this politically motivated, or is this part of a larger strategy to destabilize the current administration?”
This underscores the gravity of the situation and calls for urgent clarification and accountability from both the Nigeria Police and the Lagos State Government.
Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda’s ascent to the speakership was a historic moment for Lagos. Elected by her colleagues on January 13, 2025, following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa by 32 out of 40 Assembly members, she became the first woman to hold the position. Her leadership was further solidified with a strong vote of confidence from lawmakers on February 17, 2025. Yet, barely two weeks later, her authority is being challenged by Obasa.
The withdrawal of her security detail came just hours before Obasa, accompanied by armed police escorts and a handful of loyalists, stormed the Assembly complex on February 27, 2025, declaring himself the rightful Speaker.
This bold move has intensified the power struggle, with 36 lawmakers steadfastly rejecting his return and reaffirming their support for Meranda. The timing of the police withdrawal suggests a coordinated effort to weaken her position, leaving her exposed to potential threats amid an already volatile situation.
The Roots of the Power Struggle
The crisis traces back to Obasa’s impeachment, driven by allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and authoritarian leadership. His removal marked the end of a nearly decade-long tenure as Speaker, during which he faced numerous controversies, including accusations of approving ₦43 billion for lawmakers’ vehicles. Meranda, previously the Deputy Speaker, emerged as a unifying figure, elected to restore integrity to the Assembly.
Yet, Obasa has refused to relinquish his claim, asserting that his impeachment lacked due process and that he remains the legitimate Speaker. His dramatic return to the Assembly complex, bolstered by restored security details, stands in stark contrast to Meranda’s sudden loss of protection.
