Lagos Assembly crisis: Group condemns withdrawal of Meranda’s security

A group, under the aegis of the Assembly of Lagos Youths, has condemned the withdrawal of security aides attached to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda and the reinstatement of those of sacked former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa as not only undemocratic but also a direct affront to the rule of law.

The group said this in a statement, titled: ‘Re: Withdrawal of Hon. Lasbat Meranda’s security aides by CP Moshood Jimoh – a call for democratic integrity in Lagos State’, and signed by its Convener, Lasisi Robert, copy of which was made available to newsmen on Friday, noting that the state political landscape had never witnessed such turbulence as the current crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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The youth group said it was deeply concerning that, despite his removal from office by an overwhelming two-thirds majority, Obasa continued to preside over legislative proceedings.

The group reiterated that Obasa was no longer the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, noting that his removal was carried out in accordance with democratic principles, “and the majority of Assembly members have unequivocally expressed their decision to move forward under new leadership.”

According to Robert, this blatant disregard for due process undermines democratic governance.

He posited that the police appeared to be taking sides in a legislative matter that should be resolved within the confines of the law by restoring Obasa’s security aides without a court order while withdrawing those of Speaker Meranda, saying that this step “raises the question: who is backing Hon. Obasa?”

“Hon. Meranda’s emergence as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly is a historic milestone. Her leadership presents a unique opportunity for Lagos State to set a precedent of excellence and inclusivity in governance. Ensuring a smooth transition of leadership will not only strengthen the legislative process but also support Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in delivering on his campaign promises to the people of Lagos State,” he said.

Speaking further, the group noted that the events of February 27, 2025, had cast a shadow over the integrity of the Assembly, threatening to plunge the state into political instability, saying that it had become imperative for President Tinubu to address this situation and uphold the rule of law.

This was just as the youth group expressed worry over reports suggesting that security aides of prominent traditional rulers, including Oba Gbolahan Oniru and Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, had also been withdrawn, saying that such a development signalled a broader political maneuver that could have far-reaching consequences.

“If these reports are accurate, they risk setting off a chain of events that could destabilise governance in Lagos State,” it warned.

“In response, the Assembly of Lagos Youths, representing the interests of the state’s indigenous communities, is committed to safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring that due process prevails.

“The intransigence displayed by Hon. Obasa suggests a larger agenda—one that could ultimately threaten the stability of the Sanwo-Olu administration and alter the political dynamics of Lagos State in favor of external influences. The Ibile Eko Youths, representing the five divisions of Lagos (Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Lagos Island), will not stand idly by as democracy is undermined.

“We call on all stakeholders, including the Presidency, the Inspector General of Police, and well-meaning Nigerians, to intervene and uphold democratic norms in Lagos State. The will of the people, as expressed through their elected representatives, must be respected, and any attempt to subvert democracy must be firmly resisted,” the Assembly of Lagos Youths said.