On Monday, the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, took office at the assembly complex amidst heightened security due to concerns of a potential confrontation over the speaker’s position.
The security was reinforced at the assembly, given the growing tension, especially after the return of the former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed by 32 out of 39 assembly members less than two weeks ago.
Obasa insisted that he still held the speaker’s position and was welcomed back as a hero by his supporters in Ikeja.
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Obasa maintained that he remained the speaker “until the right thing is done,” raising concerns of a potential clash if he attended Monday’s plenary session.
This plenary marks the third one presided over by Meranda since Obasa’s removal, with the former speaker absent from the last two sessions.
In response to the brewing tensions, security personnel carefully screened journalists and others trying to access the assembly, with several police vehicles stationed at the gate and inside the complex.
The heightened security measures were intended to prevent any disruption at the assembly.
Meranda arrived at the complex on Monday to a warm reception from lawmakers who expressed their support and cheered her on as “Madam Speaker.”
She has now officially taken over the speaker’s office.