A tense drama unfolded at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as Speaker Mojisola Meranda defied security operatives and presided over plenary, amidst a deepening leadership crisis.
The speaker, who was escorted into the chamber by assembly workers and lawmakers, faced off against security officials, including policemen and Department of State Services operatives, who had attempted to gain access to the assembly chambers.
The standoff, which lasted for hours, highlighted the escalating tensions within the assembly, which has been rocked by a protracted leadership tussle. The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was removed over alleged misconduct and sundry offenses.
Meranda, who was elected as Obasa’s replacement, has faced intense pressure to resign, with some lawmakers and external forces seeking to reinstate Obasa.
However, 36 pro-Meranda lawmakers have rallied around the speaker, passing a vote of confidence in her and vowing to resist any attempts to remove her.
The assembly and the Department of State Services have also traded words over the presence of secret policemen at the House, with the DSS claiming its operatives were invited and the assembly denying making such a request.
The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police for Lagos, a move seen by many as an attempt to intervene in the crisis.