…..36 Assembly members pass vote of confidence on Meranda
The Lagos state house of assembly requested the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen security around its premises ahead of February 18, following reports that Mudashiru Obasa planned to resume as speaker.
A letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by Abubakar Ottun, the acting clerk of the house, warned that Obasa’s attempt to resume office could pose a security threat to the assembly and its members.
The house urged the DSS to deploy operatives from February 16 to enforce strict access control within and around the premises.
Obasa was removed as speaker on January 13 while he was out of the country, following allegations of financial misconduct.
Upon his return, Obasa insisted that due process was not followed and maintained that he was still the legitimate speaker.
“I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action,” the letter reads.
“The impeached speaker of Lagos state house of assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025 as the speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday 16th February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your Men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”
Security was tightened at the assembly complex on Monday ahead of plenary, with police officers and task force personnel stationed both inside and outside the premises. The office of the speaker was also reportedly sealed.
Lagos Assembly invited DSS for security purpose, not to seal offices– Acting Clerk
Lagos State House of Assembly has clarified what led to the invasion of the assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the early hours of Monday, February 17, 2025.
The Acting Clerk, reacting to the controversial issue, said, “The assembly called upon security agencies to ensure security, help maintain order and not seal off offices.”
According to a letter dated February 14, 2025, signed by the Acting Clerk of the House, A. Ottun, the Assembly management notified security agencies in Lagos about “credible intelligence that indicated plans to forcibly reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025.”
The management highlighted that such an attempt presented “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.”
The letter, with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, was sent to the DSS Director in Lagos and the heads of other security agencies in the state.
It read in part: “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,” the letter stressed the urgent need to prevent any security breaches at the Assembly.
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“We kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and as well observe strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.
“We look forward to your prompt attention Sir. Thank you.”
36 Lagos Assembly members pass vote of confidence on Meranda
Meanwhile, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda to continue to steer the affairs of the House.
Moving the motion on the floor of the House, a lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo 2, Oladipo Ajomale said that, the Speaker has been elected by the lawmakers and that they are confident that she is the perfect leader the House needs at this time.
The vote of confidence was seconded by Aro Moshood, another lawmaker after which the remaining 34 lawnakers supported the motion and afterwards, passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Interestingly, all staff of the Assembly also showed their solidarity support for the Speaker.
The House however adjourned sitting till further notice
