The Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa, Ikeja, was heavily fortified by armed security personnel on Monday, March 3, 2025, creating a tense atmosphere as access to the premises was restricted.
The increased security presence coincided with an emergency plenary session, fueling speculation about possible leadership changes within the Assembly.
By dawn, law enforcement officers had taken up strategic positions around the Assembly complex, marking a significant escalation in security measures that had been in place for the past two weeks.
Reports suggest that the move may be linked to ongoing political maneuvers, with indications that Speaker Mojisola Meranda might step down in alignment with a zoning arrangement favoring a candidate from the western district.
Security personnel, including operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Nigeria Police Force, conducted thorough searches on all individuals, including Assembly staff, before allowing entry.
A legislative staff member, who requested anonymity, described the situation: “The atmosphere in the Assembly this morning is very tense with heavy security around the Assembly.”
“It was difficult for the staff to gain access to the Assembly. It took me over an hour before I was allowed into the premises.”
The security reinforcement follows intense political negotiations over the weekend involving President Bola Tinubu and key figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources indicate that discussions among party leaders, including former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and a former Lagos commissioner, focused on resolving the leadership crisis that has gripped the Assembly.
