Lagos Assembly Speaker Meranda Loses Security Protection

On February 27, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly plunged deeper into crisis as security details assigned to Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda were withdrawn, according to a breaking report from The Frontier. Confirmed by sources within the Assembly, this abrupt move has left Meranda without police escorts and heightened tensions within the legislative complex in Alausa, Ikeja. Coming amid a weeks-long leadership dispute, the withdrawal signals a potential shift in the power struggle that has pitted Meranda against her predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa. This article examines the latest developments as of this morning, their immediate implications, and what might lie ahead for Meranda and the Assembly.

Current Developments

The removal of Meranda’s security detail, reported just before 10:48 AM WAT today, follows a turbulent period that began on January 13, 2025, when 32 of the Assembly’s 40 members impeached Obasa, the long-serving Speaker, over allegations of financial misconduct and authoritarianism. Meranda, then Deputy Speaker, was elected to replace him, assuming office on January 27 amid heavy security. Obasa, who was abroad during the impeachment, has since challenged its legality, filing a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court on February 12, arguing that the process violated constitutional requirements, including occurring during a recess without his consent.

The crisis escalated on February 17, when operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police sealed off Meranda’s office, along with those of her deputy and the clerk, in an apparent show of force. Despite this, Meranda presided over a plenary session that day, where lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her leadership before adjourning indefinitely after just 35 minutes. The brevity of the session and the sealing of offices hinted at mounting pressure, yet Meranda remained defiant, supported by a majority of lawmakers.

Today’s withdrawal of her security marks a stark turn. Sources cited by The Frontier suggest it may be linked to a rumored plan to replace her as Speaker, though neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the state government has clarified the decision’s origin. Victor Ganzallo, Meranda’s Special Adviser on Information, confirmed the development, describing it as an “unprecedented situation” that leaves her vulnerable and calling for urgent resolution. Meanwhile, reports indicate that security aides previously withdrawn from Obasa have been reinstated as of this morning, fueling speculation about his potential return.

These events coincide with mediation efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos’ ruling party. On February 25, Punch Newspapers reported that a panel led by former governors Bisi Akande and Segun Osoba was nearing a compromise: both Obasa and Meranda might step aside, allowing a new Speaker from Lagos West, possibly Setonji David to take over. The timing of the security withdrawal, just two days later, suggests an acceleration of this plan or a unilateral move by one faction to force the issue.

Implications of the Latest Move

The withdrawal of Meranda’s escorts carries immediate consequences. Practically, it compromises her safety, a serious concern given the charged atmosphere at the Assembly, where legislative workers protested the DSS invasion on February 18. Symbolically, it undermines her authority, signaling to lawmakers and observers that her tenure may be nearing its end. The restoration of Obasa’s aides, if confirmed, further tilts the balance, suggesting that his allies or higher powers within the APC, may be regaining leverage.

Politically, this development could be a calculated step to pressure Meranda into resignation. Having denied such rumors on February 19 through an aide who blamed “mischief makers” tied to Obasa, she has shown resilience. However, the loss of security might prove a tipping point, especially if the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, a towering figure in Lagos politics, endorses a new direction. The party’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has been divided over Obasa’s removal, and today’s events hint at a faction asserting dominance.

Pathways Forward

Several outcomes are possible in the coming days or weeks. The most immediate prospect is Meranda’s resignation, potentially before the Assembly reconvenes. Sources have speculated since February 17 that she might step down during a plenary session, a scenario now more plausible given her weakened position. The indefinite adjournment complicates this timeline, but an emergency sitting could be called to formalize her exit.

A second, more structured possibility is the APC’s proposed compromise. By mid-March, the mediation panel might install a new Speaker, such as Setonji David, a veteran lawmaker from Badagry with a reputation for stability. This would require Obasa to drop his lawsuit and Meranda to acquiesce, likely under Tinubu’s directive. The APC’s priority is restoring order in Lagos, its political stronghold, and avoiding prolonged disruption ahead of key legislative agendas.

A less likely scenario is escalation. If Meranda resists and Obasa presses his legal challenge, currently pending at the High Court, the Assembly could remain paralyzed. Lawmakers loyal to Meranda might rally, while Obasa’s faction could leverage security and party influence to reclaim control. However, Tinubu’s history of decisive intervention in Lagos politics suggests he will not tolerate such chaos. A resolution, possibly within the next week, seems probable, whether through negotiation or fiat.

The judicial angle adds another layer. Obasa’s lawsuit seeks to nullify his impeachment, and a favorable ruling could reinstate him, sidelining Meranda entirely. Yet, the court process is unlikely to conclude swiftly, making political mediation the more immediate driver of events.

A Critical Juncture

For Meranda, it tests her resolve after weeks of navigating a hostile landscape. For the APC, it’s a chance to reassert control over a fractious legislature. And for the Assembly, it’s a question of whether it can regain stability to serve Lagosians effectively. Whether Meranda steps down, a new Speaker emerges, or the crisis deepens, the resolution expected by mid-March at the latest will shape the Assembly’s trajectory. For now, Meranda stands at a crossroads, her authority diminished but her next move uncertain.

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