…as Obasa absence from court
- Legislative staff vacants Assembly premises
Lagos, Nigeria – The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, has described the recent invasion of her office as a serious issue while urging that the ongoing legal battle be allowed to run its course.
Speaking to journalists, Meranda acknowledged the presence of representatives from both parties in the legal dispute and called for patience. “This is actually just the beginning, and as you saw in there, both parties have their representatives. I think we should allow the legal team to do their job,” she said.
Addressing the dramatic events at the Assembly complex, the Speaker noted that while a certain lawmaker remains a member of the House and has the right to be present, the manner of his entry raised serious concerns. “However, the invasion and breaking into my office—that is really a serious issue,” she emphasized.
Meranda also revealed a significant reduction in her security detail, stating that her usual convoy includes two policemen, four DSS officers, and two anti-riot officers, but as of that morning, she was left with only three or four policemen. “As you can see, I have my people here with me. And God is with me,” she added.
Obasa’s Indefinite Postponement a ‘Show of Shame’ – Meranda
Reacting to reports that former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa had declared an indefinite postponement of House sittings during a meeting with three or four lawmakers, Meranda dismissed the action as theatrics. “I think that was just a show of shame because, in our job, we have numbers that form a quorum. If you are sitting with just three or four members, you’re only putting on a theatrical display,” she said.
While she confirmed that the House would not sit that day, she assured that an official announcement would be made when the Assembly reconvenes.
Ogundipe: ‘Court Will Expose the Imposter’
Also speaking on the matter, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, accused certain individuals of creating unnecessary drama. He insisted that the person at the center of the controversy was an “imposter” and expressed confidence that the court would reveal the truth.
“Our counsel was very clear in court. The person causing the drama was just an imposter, and I’m sure the court will follow due process. By the time the second hearing comes up, the imposter’s true identity will definitely be exposed,” Ogundipe said.
He described the recent events as a “show of shame” and criticized the contradictory statements made by those challenging the Assembly’s proceedings. “Imagine, they are now openly claiming that there was no court procedure, yet we are here today. The same person who initiated the court case is now saying there’s no court process. You also saw the drama his lawyers created in court today. It’s unfortunate, but when we get to the bridge, we will cross it,” he added.
Ogundipe reassured Lagosians that the Assembly remains committed to upholding the law and serving the people. “We want to assure the public that we are law-abiding and are doing everything within our power to ensure that this situation does not escalate beyond this level,” he said.
As the political tension in the Lagos Assembly continues, Meranda and her allies remain firm in their stance, vowing to uphold due process and legislative order.
In a related development, The impeached speaker Mudashiru Obasa were absence in court while he was spotted to in the Assembly premises with his supporters.
After the court proceedings, the lawmakers proceeded to the Assembly complex to inspect the premises.
Speaking with journalists afterward, Deputy Speaker Hon. Fatai Mojeed assured that everything was in order.
He further stated that while the former Speaker had been present at the Assembly the previous day, the House remained firmly under the control of its members.
It was also gathered that the Assembly Staff were not around today.
