Breaking: New Lagos Assembly Speaker takes office amid heightened tensions and security measures

DDM News

The newly appointed Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has officially assumed office, with the legislative complex surrounded by intense security.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the development comes in the wake of significant political turmoil surrounding the leadership of the House.

Security forces were deployed in full force as the complex was tightly secured, with all individuals—including journalists—subject to thorough screening before being allowed to enter.

The move follows the dramatic removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, two weeks ago, an event that has left Lagos politics in a state of uncertainty and tension.

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda’s ascension to the position of Speaker comes after a fierce political struggle.

The former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who had held the position for several years, was ousted by 32 of the 39 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly in a surprising turn of events.

This unprecedented action by the lawmakers marked a major shift in the political landscape of the Lagos Assembly and ignited tensions within the house and across the state’s political sphere.

The atmosphere around the assembly complex was charged with anxiety, as many feared that Obasa’s supporters might attempt to take back control of the assembly.

Despite his removal, Obasa, who had been absent from the House since the event, continued to assert that he was still the rightful leader of the assembly.

He made it clear that he would not accept his removal and insisted that the “right thing” must be done, suggesting a legal or procedural challenge to his ouster.

This contentious stance has contributed to the heightened security measures surrounding the assembly, with police and security personnel stationed around the building, including at least three police vehicles parked around the complex and additional security vehicles positioned inside.

The leadership vacuum created by Obasa’s removal sparked fears of further confrontation, both within the assembly and beyond.

Some political observers have speculated that the instability in the legislative body could spill over into other parts of Lagos’ governance, as the battle for control of the assembly has implications for the broader political balance in the state.

However, despite these concerns, Meranda has stepped into the position with the firm backing of a majority of the lawmakers, indicating a shift in the power dynamics of the Lagos Assembly.

Monday’s plenary session was notable as the third one presided over by Meranda since Obasa’s removal.

It marked a new phase for the assembly, with Meranda leading the proceedings and pushing forward with legislative business despite the uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of her position in the eyes of some members of the House.

While Meranda has taken charge, the shadow of Obasa’s absence looms large, with many still questioning the political future of the House under her leadership.

The removal of Mudashiru Obasa was a bold move by the 32 assembly members who voted to oust him, effectively bringing an end to his long tenure as the Speaker.

For years, Obasa had been a dominant figure in Lagos politics, and his leadership had come to symbolize the power structure of the House.

His removal was a sign of dissent within the assembly and a shift in the political allegiances that had previously supported him.

However, Obasa’s insistence on returning to power, despite being abroad, has raised concerns about the potential for further divisions and instability within the legislative body.

The tensions surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly have not been confined to the legislative building.

The political standoff has drawn widespread attention, with various factions within the state’s political establishment weighing in on the developments.

Some have expressed support for Obasa, arguing that his removal was politically motivated and undermined the autonomy of the assembly.

Others have backed Meranda’s leadership, asserting that the assembly is entitled to determine its own leadership and that Obasa’s tenure had reached its end.

With Meranda now at the helm, the political balance in the Lagos State House of Assembly is still in flux.

Her ascension has led to a realignment of power within the House, but the continued absence of Obasa raises questions about the future of the legislature.

Will Obasa attempt to reclaim his position? Will Meranda be able to hold onto her new role amid this political turbulence? Only time will tell.

As tensions continue to simmer, the role of security forces in maintaining order within the Lagos Assembly complex has become increasingly important.

The increased presence of security personnel is a reflection of the gravity of the situation and the potential for further conflict.

The assembly complex, typically a place of debate and legislative action, has transformed into a fortified zone as the battle for the Speaker’s seat rages on.

The ongoing drama in the Lagos State House of Assembly has captured the attention of both local and national observers, as it reflects deeper political struggles within Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most influential states.

The fallout from Obasa’s removal and the rise of Meranda signal that Lagos politics may be undergoing a significant transformation.

For now, the city of Lagos watches closely as this political saga unfolds, with many eager to see how the situation will resolve.

In the coming days and weeks, the Lagos Assembly will undoubtedly remain in the spotlight.

As Meranda continues to serve as Speaker, the pressure will be on her to navigate the complex political terrain, manage the divided House, and maintain the stability of the legislative body.

Meanwhile, Obasa’s absence from the sessions raises ongoing questions about the future dynamics of the Lagos Assembly.

His refusal to accept his removal suggests that the political contest over the Speaker’s seat is far from over, and the outcome of this struggle could have lasting implications for the governance of Lagos State.

The events unfolding in Lagos State’s legislative chamber have certainly reshaped the political narrative of the region.

With tensions still high, security measures in place, and the power struggle between Obasa and Meranda unresolved, the eyes of the nation are on Lagos, awaiting the next chapter in this complex political drama.

Share our updates…..

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook