Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has strongly refuted widespread claims about her resignation, labeling the rumors as unfounded and malicious amid the ongoing leadership crisis that continues to stir tensions within the Assembly. The Speaker's response comes after speculation mounted on Monday, following a dramatic and forceful invasion of the Assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, which had sparked further confusion and concern among lawmakers and citizens alike.
The rumors of Meranda's resignation gained significant traction after the violent disruption of the Assembly’s activities, with reports indicating that security forces stormed the premises in the early hours of the day. The operatives moved swiftly to seal off the offices of Speaker Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk, an action that raised alarms and fueled a series of rumors surrounding the stability of leadership within the Lagos State House of Assembly. This heightened atmosphere of uncertainty added fuel to the growing tensions stemming from the recent and controversial removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, which had already plunged the Assembly into a deep crisis. The unexpected presence of security forces in the Assembly compound on Monday further escalated the already volatile situation, leaving many to question the motives behind the invasion and what it might signify for the future of the Assembly’s leadership.
In response to the circulating rumors, the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, vehemently denied the claims of resignation, describing them as “a lie from the pit of hell.” Ajiboye was quick to reassure the public that Meranda remains fully dedicated to her role as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, despite the mounting pressure and political turbulence surrounding the ongoing leadership dispute. “If she had resigned, would she come back to sit at the plenary today?” Ajiboye remarked, emphasizing that Meranda’s continued presence in the Assembly demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her duties and responsibilities, rejecting the notion of any resignation. His statements were intended to quell the growing rumors and clarify that Meranda was steadfast in her position, and there were no plans for her to step down at this point.
The crisis within the Assembly, which initially began with the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, has become increasingly complex as new events unfold. The actions taken by security forces on Monday have added a new layer of complexity to an already charged political environment, contributing to a breakdown in communication and trust between lawmakers and Assembly staff. This disruption of normal proceedings has led to even greater divisions within the legislature, which is now grappling with both internal and external pressures. While Meranda continues to hold firm in her role, the situation remains tense, and many wonder how the Assembly can regain stability and address the underlying issues driving the conflict.
Meanwhile, a member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Muraina Taiwo, acknowledged that the crisis within the Assembly had escalated beyond the capacity of the GAC to manage. Taiwo, in an interview, called for external intervention, suggesting that the only way to resolve the standoff and restore order in the legislature would be through the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. Taiwo’s statement reflects the gravity of the situation and the realization that local authorities may no longer have the necessary leverage to resolve the leadership dispute without higher-level intervention. His call for the president's involvement underscores the growing urgency to address the situation before it spirals further out of control.