The Lagos State House of Assembly has instructed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely from home indefinitely due to potential violence stemming from the ongoing leadership crisis.
The directive, issued by Acting Clerk Mr. Babatunde Ottun Abubakar in a memo to all staff, aims to ensure their safety and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The memo, titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement,” emphasized that the measure is necessary until the leadership dispute is resolved.
“To this end, all categories of staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides are requested to work remotely from home until further notice,” the memo stated.
It further assured staff of the commitment of the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Princess) Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, to their safety and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since January 2025, marked by allegations of misconduct, contested leadership changes, and interventions by security agencies.
Impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa
On January 13, 2025, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached by 32 out of 40 lawmakers. The impeachment was based on accusations of poor leadership, chronic tardiness to sessions and plenaries, high-handedness, and disregard for colleagues and the executive. Mojisola Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency 1, was subsequently elected as the new Speaker.
Obasa’s Rejection of Impeachment
Following his removal, Obasa rejected the impeachment, citing constitutional irregularities. He argued that due process was not followed and maintained that he remained the legitimate Speaker. Obasa emphasized his long-standing service and commitment to his constituency, expressing readiness to continue serving as a lawmaker.
Escalation of Tensions
The crisis escalated on February 27, 2025, when Obasa, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, forcefully resumed office despite the Assembly being on an indefinite recess. He declared, “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly.” This action intensified tensions, especially in the absence of Speaker Meranda.
In response, the Department of State Services (DSS) sealed off the offices of Speaker Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House to prevent a breakdown of law and order. This led to a hurried plenary session under heavy security presence, during which lawmakers condemned the invasion as an assault on democracy. A lawmaker, Hon. Olayinka Kazeem, was hospitalized following an attempt to forcibly enter the Chamber.
Shift to Remote Operations
Amid the turmoil, the Assembly ordered all staff and legislative aides to work remotely until further notice. This precautionary measure aimed to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent further disruptions. The Acting Clerk, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication during this period.
Calls for Intervention
The crisis has prompted calls for intervention from various quarters. Lawmakers have urged President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to address the situation and restore order. The Assembly also passed a vote of confidence in Speaker Meranda, reflecting internal support amid the ongoing dispute.
As of March 3, 2025, the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly remains unresolved, with stakeholders seeking a peaceful and constitutional resolution to ensure the stability of the state’s legislative functions.
