Speculations trail withdrawal of Lagos Speaker Meranda’s security aides

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Police and Department of State, DSS, operatives attached to provide security to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda were withdrawn on Thursday morning.

Also withdrawn were police operatives deployed to provide security at the Assembly complex.

The Speaker’s Special Adviser on Information, Mr. Victor Ganzallo confirmed the development.

“In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn. This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” the aide disclosed.

Ganzalo pleaded wit Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene urgently to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.

Ganzalo said the withdrawal of the personnel had left the Assembly naked and vulnerable.

The media aide described the development as unfortunate,saying it was an attack on democracy.

Speaking on the development, Mr Femi Adeoti, a rights activist, said the alleged withdrawal of Meranda’s security details was condemnable.

Adeoti, Coordinator of Liberty For All(LFA), a civil society organisation, added that the withdrawal was not good for democracy .

“What has just happened at the House of Assembly in Lagos is bad news for democracy. It is a serious attack on democracy.

“The removal of the Speaker’s security details should be condemned by all believers in democracy and fairness. Meranda has not been removed as Speaker so she needs protection .

“The police owe us an explanation on what has just happened. We hope that the action would be reversed immediately”, he told News Agency of Nigeria.

Adeoti ,who said the leadership crisis at the House of Assembly had dragged for too long ,called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state to work towards restoring peace to the House.

“We cannot continue to have this crisis. APC leaders in the state must act now. Tomorrow might be too late”, he said

The withdrawal of security aides has raised speculation that the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa may be plotting to return to office.

Recall that the Clerk of the Assembly Mr Olalekan Onafeko, who was suspended when Obasa was removed as Speaker had also tried to return to office on Wednesday.

The Assembly’s Chief Security Officer, Mr Kabir Kushoro, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday.

Onafeko was suspended on the House floor by a two-thirds majority of members over alleged financial misappropriation.

However, the National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos on Thursday sacked the acting Clerk, Babatunde Ottun, who was appointed by Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

The court subsequently ordered the reinstatement of Onafeko as the Clerk of the House.

The claimant in suit number NICN/LA/23/2025 sought an interim injunction restraining six defendants from appointing anyone, including Babatunde, as Clerk.

This order remains in effect pending the hearing of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction already filed in the case.

Granting the application, Justice M. N. Esowe issued an ex parte order preventing Babatunde from parading himself as Clerk.

“The parties shall maintain peace and status quo ante bellum until the motion on notice is heard and determined,” Esowe ordered in a ruling.

In his statement, Kushoro said Onafeko arrived with unknown men and blocked the Assembly staff gate with his car at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

He further alleged that Onafeko later attempted to break into the Clerk’s office.

“This act of defiance constitutes a clear disregard for legislative protocols and security regulations.

“The House leadership views this action as an affront to the institution’s integrity and will take all necessary steps to uphold discipline and order.

“Onafeko has a pending suit against the Assembly, the Acting Clerk, and the State Government. He should focus on the legal process instead of disrupting Assembly activities,” Kushoro said.

Kushoro confirmed that relevant authorities had been informed, and necessary measures were being taken to prevent further security breaches.