Amid heightened security in Lagos Assembly, lawmakers prepare for an emergency plenary session on March 3, 2025, at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Heavy security presence suggests a possible change in leadership.
Stern, armed security personnel have cordoned off the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja, as lawmakers prepare to hold an emergency plenary session on Monday, March 3, 2025. The tense atmosphere follows intense political maneuvering over the past few weeks, which may lead to a significant leadership change within the Assembly.
By 7:00 AM, an increased presence of security forces was observed within and around the Lagos Assembly premises. This security detail, which had already been stationed for the past two weeks, was further reinforced ahead of the crucial plenary session. Reports indicate that men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and armed police personnel have taken strategic positions, conducting thorough searches on every guest and staff member before granting access to the complex.
A staff member, who requested anonymity, confirmed the heightened tension within the Assembly. The atmosphere in the Assembly this morning is very tense, with heavy security all around. It was difficult for staff to gain access. It took me over an hour before I was allowed into the premises, the source revealed.
Sources within the political circles suggest that Speaker Mojisola Meranda is likely to tender her resignation during today’s plenary session. This move is believed to be part of a broader zoning arrangement that would see a new Speaker emerge from the West Zone of Lagos State. Meranda had assumed the role of Speaker after the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in January 2025. However, recent high-level political negotiations appear to have reshaped leadership dynamics, leading to today’s emergency session.
The leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly has drawn the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Over the weekend, a resolution was reportedly reached to finalize the transition of power in the House. Reliable sources from the Presidential Villa disclosed that several APC stalwarts were involved in the discussions, including former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and a former Lagos commissioner whose name was not disclosed. These high-level interventions ultimately paved the way for Mudashiru Obasa’s removal as Speaker, although he was given a soft landing by having his dismissal commuted to resignation.
Despite the APC leadership’s decision, fresh reports suggest that some lawmakers in the Lagos Assembly are pushing for the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker. This latest twist comes amid speculation that his political allies are lobbying behind the scenes to influence today’s plenary session. Obasa was removed alongside former Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, by 32 lawmakers on January 13, 2025. The House subsequently elected Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker. However, with today’s developments, it remains unclear whether Meranda’s resignation will be followed by Obasa’s return or the emergence of an entirely new Speaker.
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As the emergency plenary unfolds, key points to watch include whether Speaker Mojisola Meranda will officially resign, whether a new Speaker will be elected immediately, if there is a chance for Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim his seat, how the APC leadership will enforce its resolution, and whether the heavy security presence will remain after today’s session.
With the Lagos State House of Assembly currently in a state of political uncertainty, all eyes remain on the unfolding drama in Alausa, Ikeja. The next few hours will be crucial in determining the leadership structure of the legislative arm of government in Nigeria’s economic capital.
Stay tuned as we provide live updates on the situation at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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