The directive aimed to ensure the safety of the staff members. It also sought to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has issued an order. This order aims to prevent violence due to the ongoing leadership crisis. It instructs all staff members and legislative assistants to work from home for an extended period of time.
Mr. Babatunde Ottun Abubakar, the Acting Clerk, issued the direction in a memo that was written to all of the personnel. The directive aimed to ensure the safety of the staff members. It also sought to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The memo, titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement,” highlighted that the measure was required. It was necessary to await the settlement of the leadership disagreement.
To this end, all categories of staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides must work remotely from home. This will continue until further notice,” the memo stated. It further assured staff of the commitment of the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Princess) Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, to their safety and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The assembly has been mired in a power war. Former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and former Clerk Olalekan Onafeko were dismissed from their positions in the Lagos Assembly. This occurred on January 13, 2025. Mojisola Meranda, who had previously served as Obasa’s deputy, has taken over as the substantive Speaker of the House.
Agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded the Assembly building. They sealed offices. They also prevented MPs from holding plenary.
This caused the tensions to rise to a higher level. Despite this, the legislators forced their way into the chambers. An enormous amount of tension was present. They then started a session. During the session, they announced a vote of confidence in Meranda. They also postponed the session indefinitely.
Three members of the Assembly personnel are on trial. They are accused of assaulting DSS agents during the standoff. The trial is for their claimed actions.
On February 27, Obasa stormed the Assembly with heavy security, broke into the Speaker’s office, and resumed his duties. He has stated that his removal is unlawful and has rejected it. Since then, his supporters have surrounded the Assembly building in an effort to demand that he be reinstated.
In retaliation, Obasa has filed a lawsuit against Meranda. He is also suing the Lagos Assembly and thirty-six lawmakers. He is challenging their decision to remove him from office. It has been decided that the matter will be heard by the Ikeja Court on March 7, 2025.