EKO NEWS

‘Possible Chaos’ : Lagos Assembly Orders Remote Work Amid Obasa, Meranda Leadership Crisis

Published

2 months ago

Mar 3, 2025.

'Possible Chaos ' : Lagos Assembly Orders Remote Work Amid Obasa, Meranda Leadership Crisis

Tensions within the assembly have been mounting since January, when 32 lawmakers voted to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-clerk Olalekan Onafeko.
Contesting the constitutionality of his removal, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa rejected the decision taken by the 32 lawmakers who voted him out of office.
The crisis reached a boiling point on February 17 when SSS operatives sealed off the assembly complex, preventing a plenary session.

In response to the escalating leadership crisis, the Lagos House of Assembly has instructed all staff members and legislative aides to work remotely for an indefinite period.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that this decision aims to prevent potential violence and maintain stability within the parliament.

The directive, communicated in a memo issued by acting clerk Babatunde Ottun on Sunday, is titled ‘Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement.’

EDITOR’S PICK

The memo serves as a formal notice for all staff to transition their daily operations to a remote work environment until further notice.

Tensions within the assembly have been mounting since January, when 32 lawmakers voted to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-clerk Olalekan Onafeko.

The crisis reached a boiling point on February 17 when SSS operatives sealed off the assembly complex, preventing a plenary session.

Despite the obstruction, lawmakers forced their way into the chamber, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely while declaring a vote of confidence in Mojisola Meranda, who replaced Mr. Obasa as Speaker.

In the aftermath of the standoff, three employees of the assembly now face trial for allegedly assaulting SSS operatives.

Contesting the constitutionality of his removal, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa rejected the decision taken by the 32 lawmakers who voted him out of office.

On February 27, Mr. Obasa, accompanied by heavy security, forcibly entered the speaker’s office, further escalating tensions within the assembly.

'Possible Chaos ' : Lagos Assembly Orders Remote Work Amid Obasa, Meranda Leadership Crisis

As his supporters gathered at the assembly to demand his reinstatement, Mr. Obasa proceeded to resume his duties.

He has since filed a lawsuit against Ms. Mojisola Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, contesting the legality of his ousting.

The court is set to hear the case on Friday.

Despite the deepening crisis, the head of service, Bode Agoro, acknowledged the leadership change, urging staff members to lend their support to the newly appointed speaker and acting clerk.

In light of the volatile situation, Mr. Babatunde Ottun, acting clerk of the assembly, issued a directive to all staff to work remotely.