The ongoing crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a dramatic turn following the removal of all security details assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda. This development, unfolding amid a bitter power struggle within the Assembly, has left the Speaker exposed to potential attacks.

It was gathered that that security personnel – including police officers and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) – were withdrawn on Thursday morning without any replacement. Other reports suggest that the speaker has been forced to resign to pave the way for reconciliation that would zone the position to another part of the state.

“In the early hours of Thursday, we were alarmed to learn that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been removed. This included both the police and DSS officers, leaving her vulnerable amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” the Vanguard newspaper quoted one aide as saying.

The aide further urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also serves as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene promptly to avert a potential breakdown in law and order.

Matters deteriorated further on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko – the former, now suspended, Clerk of the House – attempted to resume duty at the Assembly complex, only to be politely turned away by security personnel.

Onafeko, who was removed from his post alongside former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on 13 January, reportedly arrived at the complex at around 9 a.m., accompanied by his solicitor, two security personnel, and unidentified DSS operatives, in a bid to reclaim his office.

“The suspended clerk was politely instructed by the Assembly’s legal representative to leave the premises peacefully, as the matter is already before the courts,” an eyewitness reported.