Obasa Set for Return as DSS Storms Lagos Assembly, Seals Offices

The Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Police stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly early Monday morning, sealing the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House. Armed security personnel took control of the Assembly premises in Alausa, Ikeja, and its surroundings, conducting thorough searches of passersby.

Speaker Meranda arrived at the Assembly complex with her convoy at approximately 11:15 a.m. amid the heightened security presence.

The incident follows the ongoing legal challenge by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa against his removal from office. Obasa, who was ousted in absentia by 32 out of the 40 Assembly members on January 13, 2025, while he was in the United States, has taken legal action against his removal. President Bola Tinubu had previously described the situation as a “coup.”

Obasa has filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the State High Court, seeking an expedited hearing on the case. His suit, filed on February 12, 2025, names the Lagos State House of Assembly and current Speaker Mojisola Meranda as defendants.

The legal action challenges the constitutionality of the Assembly’s sitting on January 13, 2025, during which Obasa was removed. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afolabi Fashanu, has requested several court orders, including an expedited hearing and a reduction in the time allowed for the defendants to file their responses. The suit argues that the Assembly’s session violated constitutional provisions and standing orders, as it was held without the Speaker’s approval or authority.

Obasa’s application emphasizes the urgency of the case, arguing that legislative activities in Lagos State could be disrupted if the issue is not resolved promptly. His legal team insists that the court has the authority to grant an accelerated hearing to ensure a swift resolution of the matter.

The ongoing controversy has caused division within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest political decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. While some members support Obasa’s removal, others question its legality and the implications for political stability in the state.

Obasa maintains that none of the parties involved will suffer any injustice by granting his application for an expedited hearing.