BREAKING: Speaker Obasa Seeks Armed NSCDC Deployment to Lagos Assembly Amid Leadership Crisis

The Lagos State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, has formally requested the deployment of armed security personnel to reinforce security at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja amid an ongoing leadership crisis.

A leaked letter addressed to the Lagos State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), signed by the Clerk of the House, O.B. Onafeko, revealed Obasa’s request for additional security cover for lawmakers and staff.

“I have the instruction of the Leadership of the House to request for Armed Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to provide security cover for the Lagos State House of Assembly as well as Honourable members and Staff,” the letter stated.

The document also disclosed that NSCDC officers would collaborate with 20 private security guards, signaling concerns over potential unrest or confrontation within the Assembly.

Judicial Disputes Over Clerk Reinstatement

This security request comes as the National Industrial Court (NIC) clarified that it did not issue an order for the reinstatement of Clerk Onafeko, contrary to claims from Obasa’s camp.

During a March 12, 2025 court session, Justice M.N. Esowe expressed shock over Onafeko’s alleged forceful takeover of the Assembly Secretariat, using security personnel to evict Acting Clerk Taiwo Ottun.

The Assembly’s legal counsel, O.O. Oniyire (SAN), accused Onafeko of manipulating court proceedings and spreading misinformation regarding his reinstatement. The court has now scheduled March 18 for a hearing on all pending applications, further delaying a resolution to the crisis.

Lagos Assembly Leadership Crisis Deepens Over SUV Procurement Scandal

SaharaReporters has learned that the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos Assembly was exacerbated by a multi-billion naira procurement scandal involving the purchase of official vehicles for lawmakers.

According to sources, the dispute stemmed from the purchase of 39 SUVs, a project initially approved by Obasa before his impeachment in January 2025.

Obasa had allegedly sanctioned the procurement of 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai at a cost of ₦7 billion. However, during her brief tenure as Speaker, Mojisola Meranda reviewed the plan and opted for a local supplier, purchasing 32 Toyota Prado 2025 SUVs and seven Toyota Land Cruiser 2025 models for ₦5 billion, effectively saving ₦2 billion.

This decision reportedly angered Obasa, who is now demanding that all SUVs purchased under Meranda be returned. Sources allege that Obasa’s original plan included distributing 45 luxury vehicles, with four units reserved for himself and his two wives.

Obasa’s Legal Maneuver Sparks Outrage

In a controversial move, Obasa also unilaterally replaced the legal team representing the Lagos Assembly in court without consulting the 35 lawmakers who had initially voted for his impeachment.

During a March 17 hearing at the Ikeja High Court, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, representing the opposing lawmakers, condemned Obasa’s actions, stating:

“A plaintiff cannot impose a lawyer on the defendants.”

Falana emphasized that his legal team had been legitimately appointed by the majority faction of lawmakers challenging Obasa’s leadership.

Tinubu Intervenes, Summons Lawmakers to Emergency Meeting

The escalating political turmoil has now drawn the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who convened an emergency closed-door meeting on Wednesday with Speaker Obasa, Mojisola Meranda, and other Lagos lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Sources confirmed that lawmakers were flown to Abuja on a chartered flight personally arranged by Tinubu in a last-minute effort to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. While most legislators arrived at Aso Rock by 2:00 PM, Obasa reportedly made a separate, discreet entry around 3:00 PM.

Tinubu Set to Meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly Members for Key Discussions

With tensions at an all-time high, the meeting is expected to shape the future of the Lagos Assembly leadership amid an ongoing power struggle between Obasa’s loyalists and opposition lawmakers.