Babatunji Wusu –
- Remote Work Directive: The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered all staff and legislative aides to work remotely indefinitely due to security concerns.
- Crisis Origins: Leadership tensions began in January when 32 lawmakers removed Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-Clerk Olalekan Onafeko. Mojisola Meranda was appointed as the new Speaker.
- Escalation: On February 17, DSS operatives sealed off the Assembly, but lawmakers forced their way in, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely.
- Legal and Security Issues:
- Three Assembly staff members are on trial for allegedly assaulting DSS operatives.
- Obasa rejected his removal, returned to the complex with security forces on February 27, and resumed duties.
- He has filed a lawsuit against Meranda and 36 lawmakers, with a court hearing scheduled for Friday.
- Government Recognition: Despite the conflict, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, recognized the leadership change and urged staff to support Meranda.
- Official Justification: Acting Clerk Babatunde Ottun stated that remote work is necessary to ensure safety and maintain order.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely indefinitely amid escalating tensions over the ongoing leadership crisis. The directive, issued by Acting Clerk Babatunde Ottun, was communicated in a memo titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement” on Sunday.
The crisis began in January when 32 lawmakers removed Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and former Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, replacing Obasa with his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda. However, the situation worsened on February 17 when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) sealed off the Assembly complex to prevent a plenary session. Despite this, lawmakers forced their way into the chambers, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely while expressing confidence in Speaker Meranda.
Tensions further escalated when three Assembly staff members were charged for allegedly assaulting DSS operatives during the standoff. Obasa, refusing to accept his removal, stormed the Assembly complex on February 27 with heavy security, reportedly breaking into the Speaker’s office and resuming duties. His supporters also gathered outside the complex, demanding his reinstatement.
In response, Obasa filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The case is set for a court hearing in Ikeja on Friday. Meanwhile, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, has officially recognized the leadership change, urging Assembly staff to support Meranda.
Explaining the decision for remote work, Acting Clerk Ottun emphasized that the measure is meant to ensure the safety of Assembly staff and prevent further disorder. “This directive is necessary pending the resolution of the leadership dispute,” he stated. “All staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides are requested to work remotely until further notice.”
Ottun assured staff of Speaker Meranda’s commitment to maintaining safety and fostering a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The situation remains tense as both sides await further legal and political developments.
