The Lagos State House of Assembly has heightened security at its complex as lawmakers gather for a plenary session today (Monday).
Speculation is rife about a potential showdown as the embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, continues to assert his position despite being removed on January 13, 2025.
Obasa was impeached by a majority of the House members over allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation, with Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda taking over the role.
Today’s plenary marks the third session presided over by Meranda, with Obasa notably absent from the previous sittings.
Addressing his supporters on Saturday, Obasa, who had been outside Lagos since his impeachment, maintained that he remains the Speaker until due process is followed.
“My status in the House? 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,” Obasa stated.
The former Speaker also denied allegations of financial misconduct, describing them as baseless and impossible.
He dismissed claims that he misappropriated ₦16 billion for a gate and ₦40 billion for 40 Hilux vehicles.
“Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with ₦16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico,” Obasa said.
When asked by journalists if he plans to challenge his impeachment legally, Obasa hinted at a possible court battle, saying, “You will know. It’s a matter of time.”
Speaking to a crowd of supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge in GRA, Ikeja, he expressed gratitude for their dedication while vowing to clear his name.
“I will debunk all the allegations levelled against me by the House. I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and I am the longest-serving lawmaker in the House,” he declared.
Assembly Braces for Potential Showdown
Today’s plenary is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing leadership tussle. With Obasa doubling down on his claims of legitimacy and Meranda presiding as the recognized Speaker, tensions remain high.
In a notice issued from the acting Clerk’s office on Sunday, staff members and legislative aides were advised to come to the complex with a means of identification.
The notice said anyone without a valid ID would be denied 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,” the short notice read.
Lagos Police Reacts To Security Threat
The Lagos State Police Command has also said it will maintain order in the state irrespective of what transpires at the assembly on Monday.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olawale, in an interview with Punch on Sunday, said as much as the police had no business inside the assembly, it was his duty to maintain the calmness outside the assembly and everywhere in the state.
According to him, there won’t be any breakdown of law and order in the state.
He said, “That will not happen. I don’t see any breakdown of law in the state and if there is, it is inside the assembly and I am not allowed to enter the assembly. But outside the assembly, there won’t be any breakdown of law and order in Lagos State, in whatever location because that’s my job as a policeman.
“People will genuinely move about with their businesses, but anybody congregating anywhere to foment trouble will be decisively dispersed, and if they don’t (cooperate), they will be arrested if they conduct themselves in an unruly manner. Everyone has the right to assembly but there is also what we call law and order.”
