By Deborah Nnamdi
Tension has gripped the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa, Ikeja, and other parts of the state, as armed security forces have taken control of the area ahead of an emergency session on Monday, March 3, 2025.
The situation is part of a growing political tension resulting from a series of internal disputes and power struggles that have plagued the Assembly in recent weeks.
The security presence around the Assembly complex has been increased since 7 a.m. on Monday. While security has been tight for about two weeks, it was significantly stepped up ahead of what could be a leadership change in the Lagos House of Assembly.
Reports suggest that the newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, is expected to resign, making way for the appointment of a new Speaker, to emerge in line with a zoning arrangement for candidates from the West Zone, a strategy that aims to ensure fairness and balance in political representation.
Meranda’s resignation is seen as a key part of the resolution to ease tensions within the Assembly, which had been divided over her appointment and other leadership issues.
Meanwhile, officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and armed police personnel have taken up key positions around the Assembly. Every person entering the complex, including staff, is being carefully searched before being allowed inside.
Staff of the assembly said, “The atmosphere at the Assembly is very tense with so much security. It was hard for staff to get in – it took me over an hour before I was allowed entry.” The heavy security is a clear sign of the sensitivity surrounding the unfolding events.
The crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly began with a series of disagreements over leadership and control. Tensions flared when lawmakers accused Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker, of overstepping his authority and attempting to consolidate power for personal gain.
These concerns, combined with allegations of corruption and misconduct, led to a growing rift between Obasa and other members. The situation worsened when various political factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) began to intervene, each pushing for their preferred candidate to assume the position of Speaker.
This development follows weeks of political negotiations, and a resolution was expected to be reached last weekend between President Bola Tinubu and senior leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This agreement to tend the crisis is expected to include allowing Obasa to resign, allowing for a smoother exit.
Sources from the Presidential Villa revealed that senior APC members, including former National Chairman Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and a former Lagos commissioner, were involved in discussions with President Tinubu to settle the issue.
