Lagos Speaker Meranda sheds tears as DSS takes over Assembly Complex (video)

There was heightened tension at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as security operatives from the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Police stormed the complex, sealing the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House.

By 10 a.m., heavily armed security personnel had taken control of the Alausa, Ikeja premises, conducting thorough checks on anyone attempting to gain entry. The dramatic scene intensified when Speaker Meranda arrived at about 11:15 a.m., visibly emotional and shedding tears as she witnessed the heavy security presence.

The crisis follows the controversial removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa by 32 out of 40 lawmakers while he was in the United States. Describing his removal as a “coup,” President Bola Tinubu and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) have remained divided over the decision.

Obasa has since taken legal action, filing a suit at the Ikeja High Court challenging the legitimacy of his removal.

His lawyers, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), have sought an expedited hearing of the case, naming the Lagos State House of Assembly and Speaker Meranda as defendants.