Lagos Speaker Moves Into Official Office As Assembly Tightens Security
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has officially moved into the Speaker’s office.
Meranda assumed the position two weeks ago following the impeachment of her predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa, over allegations of misconduct.
“Rt. Hon. Princess Meranda @rthonmjmeranda officially moves into the office of the Speaker!,” a post on X (formerly Twitter) by LagosSpeaker announced on Monday.
“Her journey of impactful leadership begins in this esteemed space, dedicated to serving the people and driving progress.”
Meranda also announced it on her X handle. “With Joy and gratitude to the Almighty God, my husband and family, distinguished honourable colleagues, staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, friends and well-wishers; I have taken my sit in the designated office as the Speaker, 10th Lagos State House of Assembly.
“I remain committed to delivering on my promise of inclusive, just and collaborative legislation for a greater Lagos and Lagosians,” she wrote.
Meranda’s transition into the official office coincides with heightened security measures ordered by the Assembly’s leadership to prevent any potential invasion by supporters of the former Speaker.
During a welcome event held in his honour at Ikeja GRA on Saturday, Obasa insisted that he remains the legitimate Speaker despite his removal. He argued that his impeachment did not follow constitutional procedures and stated that he would only accept his removal if conducted properly.
“I believe strongly I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it.
“I’m a Muslim and I believe in fate. But let’s do it the way it should be done,” Obasa said.
However, the Lagos State House of Assembly, in a statement signed by Ogundipe Olukayode, dismissed Obasa’s claims as “uncalled for and unparliamentary.”
“It is imperative to clarify that over 2/3 of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, therefore we stood by the decision taken on the 13th of January where Rt Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa was impeached and we shall defend our positions to the latter.
“As elected representatives of the people of Lagos, we owe them good governance and harmonious relationship with other arms of government.
“The position of the House remains the same and nothing has changed. The position being canvassed by former Speaker, Rt Hon Obasa is uncalled for and unparliamentary,” the statement read partly.
Reports indicate that Obasa’s aides have vacated the Assembly premises, although the former Speaker continues to occupy the official residence in Ikeja.
Omotayo Adekemi issued a notice on behalf of the Acting Clerk of the House, Taiwo Ottun, mandating staff and legislative aides to present valid identity cards for entry into the Assembly premises.
”Regarding management directives, all staff members and legislative aides must present valid Identity Cards to access the House premises.
“Please, remember that entry will be denied to anyone without a valid Identity Card. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter,” the notice read.
GAC Members Divided
The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, appears divided over Obasa’s impeachment.
In an interview, Senator Anthony Adefuye, a GAC member, sided with Obasa, stating that his removal was unconstitutional.
“What he is saying is that he was illegally removed and the procedure was faulty and I agree with him,” Adefuye said.
However, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a two-time minister, criticized Adefuye’s comments, describing them as reckless.
“The statement of Sen. Adefuye on the removal of the former speaker Mudashiru Obasa, is very unfortunate, childish and inconsequential.
“Senator Adefuye’s comment shouldn’t have come up, as leaders, if there are serious issues of this magnitude, rushing to make press statement or personal statement on such issues is unbecoming of a statement.
“Since GAC as a unit as not made any prounouncement on the subject matter, it is irresponsible of any member of that privileged body to go public and make comments on an issue that is as sensitive as that,” Obanikoro told reporters on Sunday.
Meeting with Tinubu Scheduled
Obasa and GAC members are reportedly set to meet with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday to resolve the political rift between Obasa and other lawmakers.
A source familiar with the development revealed to Punch that the meeting aims to mediate and find a solution to the ongoing dispute.
“Efforts are underway to reconcile Obasa with his colleagues. Apart from his meeting with the president when he arrived in the country last week, he is scheduled alongside the Governor’s Advisory Council to have another meeting with the president on Wednesday to discuss the impeachment. Politically, both Obasa and the GAC are answerable to the president, so it is his position that they will both abide by at the end of the day.
“However, the lawmaker is unlikely to resume a session at the Assembly complex on Monday,” the source disclosed.
The source further noted that Obasa has no immediate plans to attend sessions at the Assembly complex, citing the tense atmosphere following his removal.
“For now, Obasa has no plan to resume the session at the Assembly complex on Monday. Since there is an ongoing effort to reconcile them, that is likely to happen before he attends the session. As you know, the situation remains tense, and his attendance at the Assembly could escalate into a serious issue,” the source stated.
“The focus instead is on finding a political solution to the matter,” the source added.
Lagos Speaker Moves Into Official Office As Assembly Tightens Security is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
