The Lagos State House of Assembly has beefed up security at its complex as lawmakers convene for a plenary session today. This move comes amidst speculation of a potential showdown at the House, sparked by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s claim that he remains the Speaker.
Obasa was removed from office by the majority of House members on January 13, 2025, following allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation. He was subsequently replaced by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda. Today’s plenary session will be the third presided over by Meranda since Obasa’s removal, with the former speaker absent from the last two sittings.
In a statement on Saturday, Obasa maintained that he is still the Speaker, urging lawmakers to follow the proper procedure for his removal. He also denied allegations of corruption, describing the claims of financial misappropriation as “impossible.”
Obasa’s stance has raised concerns about a potential showdown at the House, prompting the assembly to tighten security measures. Staff members and legislative aides have been advised to carry valid identification cards to access the assembly premises.
The former speaker has been absent from Lagos since the saga at the House, but he addressed a crowd of supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge on Saturday. Obasa expressed gratitude for their support and reiterated his commitment to debunking the allegations against him.
One of the allegations Obasa denied was the claim that he spent N16 billion on constructing a gate. He described this as unrealistic, comparing it to the wall of Jericho or the US-Mexico border wall. Obasa also dismissed claims that he purchased 40 Hilux buses for N40 billion, stating that he would provide evidence to refute these allegations.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has been embroiled in controversy since Obasa’s removal, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations against him. The assembly’s decision to tighten security measures suggests that they are preparing for a potential confrontation.
As the plenary session gets underway, all eyes are on the Lagos State House of Assembly, waiting to see how the situation unfolds. Will Obasa’s claims spark a showdown, or will the assembly be able to navigate this challenging situation peacefully?
The outcome of today’s plenary session remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Lagos State House of Assembly is facing a critical test of its leadership and resolve.
