Meranda remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues.
The effort by the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, to call a plenary session with only three members has been severely criticized by the Lagos House of Assembly.
On Thursday, Mudashiru Obasa, who had been removed from his position as speaker of the Lagos State House of house, invaded the headquarters of the house.
Immediately after arriving at the chamber, Obasa, who was followed by security personnel, made his way to the office of the speaker. “I’ve resumed and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa declared.
It is a blatant disregard for the rules that govern plenary sessions, which require formal notice, a quorum, an approved agenda, and the presence of the mace, according to a statement that was issued on behalf of the lawmakers by the Honorable Stephen Ogundipe, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Information Strategy and Security.
- The statement read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear.
- “A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority.
- “None of these procedural requirements were met during the purported session, with only 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect.
- “The Lagos State House of Assembly remains steadfast in upholding the integrity of the legislature and is committed to maintaining the highest parliamentary standards.
- “As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.”
Additionally, the lawmaker restated their support for Mojisola Meranda, maintaining that she is the only Speaker who is recognized.
- “Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians, the statement continued.
- “Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues.
- “The House acknowledges the importance of party unity and is aligned with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in working towards a constructive resolution of any internal misunderstandings.
- “In the meantime, we remain focused on our legislative duties and committed to the welfare of the people of Lagos State.
- “We urge all stakeholders to disregard misinformation and remain assured that the Lagos State House of Assembly will continue to function in the best interests of democracy and good governance.”
IREPORT247NEW reports that all security aides assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda of the Lagos State House of Assembly were withdrawn on Thursday morning.
The development comes amidst a deepening leadership crisis in the state legislature, which began with the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in January.
The crisis has led to a power struggle, with Obasa petitioning the Department of State Security (DSS) and claiming that his removal was flawed. The DSS subsequently stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, sealing off the offices of Speaker Meranda and her deputy.
Despite the challenges, Speaker Meranda has received a vote of confidence from the Lagos State House of Assembly, with lawmakers demonstrating their support for her leadership.