In a bid to safeguard staff amidst escalating tensions, the Lagos State House of Assembly has directed all its workers and legislative aides to work from home until further notice. The directive, outlined in a memo titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement” issued on Sunday by Acting Clerk Babatunde Abubakar, aims to protect employees and prevent any potential violence stemming from the ongoing leadership dispute.
The crisis erupted following the removal of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and ex-Clerk Olalekan Onafeko by 32 lawmakers on January 13, 2025. In the wake of the turmoil, Obasa’s former deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, was elected as the substantive Speaker. However, the transition has been anything but smooth.
Obasa has consistently rejected his impeachment, asserting that he remains the legitimate Speaker. On February 27, 2025, he stormed the Assembly complex with heavy security, broke into the Speaker’s office, and resumed duty, actions that have only deepened the crisis. His supporters have since laid siege to the Assembly, demanding his reinstatement. In a dramatic escalation, Obasa filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Lagos Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, with the Ikeja Court scheduling a hearing for March 7, 2025.
Amid these turbulent events, three Assembly staff members are facing trial for allegedly assaulting DSS operatives during the standoff. Despite the chaos, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, has officially recognized the leadership change and urged staff to support the new Speaker and Acting Clerk.
The directive to work from home is viewed as a necessary precaution to ensure workers' safety and maintain operational continuity during this period of intense political instability.
Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor the situation and provide exclusive updates as this political crisis unfolds.