The Lagos State House of Assembly has instructed all staff and legislative aides to work from home until further notice due to the ongoing leadership crisis within the legislative body.
The directive was issued by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Babatunde Abubakar, in a memo sent to all staff on Sunday.
The memo, titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement,” emphasized the importance of ensuring staff safety and preventing potential violence resulting from the ongoing leadership dispute.
“To this end, all staff categories at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and legislative aides are to work remotely from home until further notice,” the memo stated.
It also assured workers of the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda’s commitment to their safety and to resolving the crisis peacefully.
The crisis began after the removal of former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and former Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, by 32 lawmakers on January 13, 2025. Obasa was replaced by his deputy, Meranda, as the new Speaker.
The situation escalated when Department of State Services (DSS) officials sealed off the Assembly complex, preventing lawmakers from holding a plenary session.
The lawmakers eventually forced their way into the chambers and conducted a session under tense circumstances, adjourning indefinitely while declaring confidence in Meranda.
Three Assembly staff members are currently facing trial for allegedly assaulting DSS officers during the standoff. Obasa has rejected his removal, claiming it was unconstitutional, and on February 27, he stormed the Assembly complex with heavy security, broke into the Speaker’s office, and resumed duties. His supporters have since laid siege to the Assembly, demanding his reinstatement.
In response, Obasa has filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The Ikeja Court has scheduled a hearing for the case on March 7, 2025.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, issued a circular recognizing the leadership change and urging staff to support the new Speaker and Acting Clerk.
Advertisement
