Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Armed Security Storms Chamber, Speaker Tearful Over Power Struggle
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The speakership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated into a full-blown crisis, with an APC chieftain, Fouad Oki, warning that the unfolding drama could become the worst legislative crisis in Nigeria’s history if not swiftly resolved.
The crisis took a dramatic turn on Monday when armed security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the state assembly complex, blocking Speaker Mojisola Meranda from accessing the hallowed chamber for several hours. When she finally presided over the plenary, she broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the tensions within the House.
Power Struggle Over Speakership
The Lagos Assembly has been locked in a bitter leadership battle for weeks following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker and the emergence of Mojisola Meranda as the first female Speaker of the House.
While 36 out of 40 lawmakers have pledged allegiance to Meranda, Obasa has rejected his removal, calling it illegal and dragging the matter to court in a bid to reclaim his seat.
Oki, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, described the Monday standoff as a show of shame and a serious threat to democracy.
“Lagos Crisis Worse Than Rivers, Osun, and Kano” – Oki
Drawing parallels to political turmoil in Rivers, Osun, and Kano States, Oki warned that Lagos could experience a far worse crisis if urgent measures are not taken.
“If you see what happened today, you will begin to look at Rivers State, the mayhem that is also consuming Osun State, you look at what is also happening in Kano. You put all of these together, and it will be like a child’s play compared to Lagos,” he cautioned.
“We Will Defend Democracy With Our Lives” – Oki
Expressing frustration over the unfolding power struggle, Oki declared that those who fought for Nigeria’s democracy would not allow it to be destroyed.
“Enough of begging, enough of appeasement. Those of us who were in the trenches fighting for democracy will not stand by and watch this happen,” he vowed.
He further warned Obasa’s supporters against fomenting chaos, stating that they would be met with strong resistance from those committed to defending democracy in Lagos State.
With the political showdown intensifying, all eyes are now on the APC leadership and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who may need to intervene to prevent further escalation.
