The Lagos State House of Assembly has instructed all staff and legislative aides to work from home indefinitely due to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Assembly.
The directive was issued by the Acting Clerk, Mr. Babatunde Ottun Abubakar, in a memo addressed to all staff. The memo, titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement,” emphasized that the decision was made to ensure the safety of staff and maintain order while the leadership dispute is being resolved.
“To this end, all categories of staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides are requested to work remotely from home until further notice,” the memo stated. It also reassured staff of the commitment of the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Princess) Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, to their welfare and a peaceful resolution of the situation.
The leadership crisis began after the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-Clerk Olalekan Onafeko by 32 lawmakers on January 13, 2025. Obasa was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, as the new Speaker.
Tensions heightened when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) sealed off the Assembly complex, preventing lawmakers from holding plenary sessions. Despite this, the lawmakers gained access to the chambers under heavy security and conducted a session where they adjourned indefinitely and expressed their support for Meranda.
Adding to the unrest, three Assembly staff members are currently facing trial for allegedly assaulting DSS operatives during the confrontation.
Obasa, refusing to accept his removal, stormed the Assembly complex on February 27 with heavy security, forced his way into the Speaker’s office, and resumed duty. His supporters have since continued to protest at the Assembly complex, demanding his reinstatement.
In response to the unfolding events, Obasa has filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Lagos Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The Ikeja Court has scheduled the hearing for March 7, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, released a circular officially recognizing the leadership change and encouraging staff to cooperate with the new Speaker and Acting Clerk.
