The crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn with the withdrawal of all security personnel assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
This alarming development, which comes amidst an ongoing leadership struggle, has left the Speaker vulnerable to potential threats.
An aide to Speaker Meranda, speaking anonymously to Vanguard, confirmed that all security details, including police officers and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), were pulled on Thursday morning without any replacements.
“We were shocked when we learned early Thursday that all security personnel assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn. This includes both the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed in the midst of the ongoing speakership crisis,” the aide revealed.
The aide also appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to take immediate action to prevent any breakdown in law and order.
The situation worsened on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko, the former and suspended Clerk of the House, attempted to return to the Assembly complex. However, he was refused entry by security personnel.
Onafeko, who had been removed alongside former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, reportedly arrived at the complex at 9 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer, two security personnel, and some unidentified DSS operatives, in an attempt to reclaim his office.
“He was politely asked by the Assembly’s legal counsel to leave, as the matter is currently in court,” an eyewitness stated.
A viral video showed Assembly staff jeering and chanting hostile slogans as Onafeko was escorted out of the premises.
In response to the incident, the Lagos State House of Assembly issued a statement condemning the developments. The statement, signed by Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu, condemned Onafeko’s actions.
This ongoing crisis stems from the January 13 removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by 32 out of 40 members of the Assembly. Speaker Meranda was subsequently elected as the new Speaker.
Despite numerous interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), attempts to resolve the leadership dispute have yet to succeed.
As tensions continue to mount, there is growing concern over the safety of Speaker Meranda and the need for swift action to restore order at the Assembly.