Breaking: DSS, police seal Lagos Assembly over speakership tussle

Tension escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday morning as operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Police sealed the offices of newly appointed Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk.

Armed security personnel were stationed around the assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, conducting stop-and-search operations on passersby, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty.

Despite the heavy security presence, Speaker Meranda arrived at the complex with her convoy at around 11:15 a.m., signaling her determination to resume legislative duties.

The development follows the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed from office while he was in the United States. His ousting, backed by 32 out of 40 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, has since triggered political turmoil in the state.

In a swift response, Obasa has taken legal action, filing a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court to challenge the legitimacy of his removal. He argues that due process was not followed and is seeking an urgent hearing to halt any further disruptions in the assembly.

The situation has reportedly caused a rift within the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a key political decision-making body in Lagos.

With tensions running high, the court is expected to deliver a ruling in the coming days, determining the fate of Obasa’s legal challenge and the leadership of the Lagos Assembly.