In the midst of escalating tensions within the Lagos State House of Assembly, Speaker Mojisola Meranda has firmly refuted circulating rumors about her resignation.
These speculations emerged following a turbulent period marked by security interventions and leadership disputes within the Assembly.
On February 17, 2025, the Assembly complex witnessed an unexpected presence of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.
The security personnel cordoned off key areas, including the legislative chamber and the Speaker’s office, leading to a temporary disruption of legislative activities.
This heightened security was reportedly in response to concerns over potential unrest linked to the anticipated return of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was impeached on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The DSS’s involvement was initiated by a letter from the Acting Clerk of the House, requesting enhanced security measures. However, the manner of the DSS’s intervention drew criticism from lawmakers.
Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, expressed concerns, stating, “The sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly was undermined by armed DSS operatives who actively obstructed lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties.”
Amid these events, rumors began to circulate suggesting that Speaker Meranda had tendered her resignation. A purported resignation letter dated February 17, 2025, lacking an official signature, fueled these speculations.
Addressing the rumors, Segun Ajiboye, Chief Press Secretary to Speaker Meranda, categorically denied the claims. He stated, “I’m in the office. The Speaker is in the office. I don’t know where that is coming from.”
“It is a lie from the pit of hell. There is no truth in the story. I am doing my work as the CPS, the Speaker is her office as we speak and everybody is talking about his or her business. We do not know where the story is coming from. The Speaker has not resigned and there is no plan for that.”
To further solidify her position, during a plenary session on February 17, 2025, lawmaker Oladipo Ajomale moved a motion for a vote of confidence in Speaker Meranda’s leadership.
The motion received unanimous support from the members present, reinforcing the Speaker’s mandate.
The leadership crisis traces back to the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his removal, has since challenged the legality of his impeachment in court, arguing that due process was not followed.
His legal team, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), filed a motion seeking an accelerated hearing of the case.
In response to the DSS’s actions, the agency faced backlash for its perceived overreach. The DSS defended its involvement, stating it was acting upon a legitimate request to prevent potential security breaches.
However, the agency threatened legal action against media outlets, including Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television, for allegedly broadcasting false reports about its role in the Assembly events.
The DSS demanded immediate retractions and public apologies, emphasizing that failure to comply would result in civil and criminal proceedings under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
Plans are underway for the GAC to engage with President Bola Tinubu to seek a resolution to the ongoing crisis. Chief Muraina Taiwo, a GAC member, highlighted the complexity of the issue, suggesting that it has surpassed the council’s capacity to mediate without higher intervention.
