In response to the ongoing leadership turmoil at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Acting Clerk Mr. Babatunde Ottun Abubakar has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely from home indefinitely.
This decision was made to prevent potential violence and ensure the safety of staff amid rising tensions over the ongoing power struggle within the Assembly.
The directive, outlined in a memo titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement,” was issued to all staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides.
It emphasized that the move was crucial until the leadership dispute was resolved. The memo read, “To this end, all categories of staff are requested to work remotely from home until further notice.” It further assured staff of the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Princess) Lasbat Mojisola Meranda’s commitment to their safety and peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The leadership crisis at the Lagos Assembly began on January 13, 2025, when 32 lawmakers voted to remove former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Clerk Olalekan Onafeko. In their place, Mojisola Meranda, Obasa’s former deputy, was installed as the new Speaker.
Tensions escalated when operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) sealed off the Assembly complex, preventing lawmakers from holding plenary.
Despite this, the lawmakers forced their way into the chambers and continued with their session, during which they adjourned indefinitely and declared a vote of confidence in Meranda.
Obasa, who has refused to accept his removal, led a group of supporters on February 27, 2025, to the Assembly, where they broke into the Speaker’s office and resumed duties, further intensifying the standoff.
Obasa has since taken legal action against Meranda and 36 other lawmakers, challenging his removal. The Ikeja Court is set to hear the case on March 7, 2025.
In a circular, Lagos State Head of Service Bode Agoro officially recognized Meranda’s leadership and called on staff to support the new Speaker and Acting Clerk, stating, “The leadership transition is now formalized, and staff are urged to align with the new direction.”
