Tensions around the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly heightened today as deposed Soeaker, Mudashiru Obasa, forcefully entered the Speaker’s office on Thursday at around noon with armed men in tow.
Obasa, accompanied by armed men, gained access to the office following the withdrawal of security aides assigned to the substantive Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
The embattled speaker was seen with more than 11 armed police officers heading straight to the Speaker’s Office.
The withdrawal of Meranda’s security details comes amidst an ongoing leadership tussle within the Assembly.
An aide to the Speaker, said early this morning that security personnel attached to Meranda, including police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), were withdrawn on Thursday morning without any replacement.
The new drama started yesterday, Wednesday, when Olalekan Onafeko, the former and suspended Clerk of the House, attempted to resume duty at the Assembly complex. However, he was politely turned away by security personnel.
Onafeko, who was removed alongside former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, allegedly arrived at the complex around 9 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer, two security personnel, and unidentified DSS operatives, in an attempt to reclaim his office.
“He, the suspended clerk, was politely told by the lawyer of the State Assembly to leave the complex peacefully as the matter is already in court,” an eyewitness revealed.
A viral video captured Assembly staff booing and jeering at Onafeko, chanting unfavorable slogans as he was escorted out of the premises.
