In a dramatic turn of events, thirty-six out of the forty members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have publicly declared their unwavering support for Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

This comes on the heels of a controversial and aggressive takeover attempt by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who reportedly stormed the assembly with the assistance of armed men and thugs, aiming to reclaim the leadership he lost.

The lawmakers congregated in the serene Assembly garden on a clear Thursday, reinforcing their previous vote of confidence in Speaker Meranda from February 17, which firmly rejected Obasa’s attempt to regain power.

An anonymous lawmaker expressed their determination to ensure that Obasa’s removal remains effective, criticizing his long-standing style of leadership, which he described as authoritarian.

Despite the firm stance of the majority, Obasa still managed to gather a small faction of followers, including Ayinde Akinsanya from Mushin Constituency I and Noheem Adams from Mushin Constituency II, who accompanied him into the Assembly, suggesting division within the ranks.

As tensions escalated, Obasa’s supporters stormed the Speaker’s office, with thugs reportedly taking strategic positions throughout the complex, vowing to take over all key offices.

Roads leading to the Assembly were blocked by individuals in unmarked Kombi buses, presumably supporting Obasa, forcing regular commuters to find alternative routes.

Stephen Ogundipe, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, condemned the chaotic scenes and called for calm, expressing his shock and disappointment at the unfolding drama.

He emphasized that the Assembly should address internal issues with transparency and decorum, rather than descending into chaos.

Despite these challenges, Obasa remained defiant, addressing the press to assert his power, denying any impeachment, and emphasizing the continuation of the session upon his return from vacation.

He insisted on his legitimacy, claiming that all necessary processes must be followed to challenge his position, which he continues to claim as secure.

Obasa further expressed that he holds no ill will against his colleagues and assured that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not fractured, stating confidently, “Obasa is the Speaker,” as he concluded his address.