The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely until further notice due to the ongoing leadership crisis in the legislative arm.
The directive was issued on Sunday by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Babatunde Abubakar, in a memo addressed to all staff.
The move, according to the memo, aims to ensure staff safety and prevent any potential violence stemming from the leadership dispute.
“To this end, all categories of staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and legislative aides are requested to work remotely from home until further notice,” the memo stated.
It further assured workers of the commitment of the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, to their safety and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The Assembly has been engulfed in turmoil following the removal of former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and ex-Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, by 32 lawmakers on January 13, 2025.
Obasa was replaced by his former deputy, Meranda, as the substantive Speaker.
The crisis escalated when operatives of the Department of State Services sealed off the Assembly complex, preventing lawmakers from holding plenary.
However, the lawmakers forced their way into the chambers under heavy tension, proceeded with a session, and adjourned indefinitely while declaring a vote of confidence in Meranda.
Meanwhile, three Assembly staff members are currently facing trial for allegedly assaulting DSS operatives during the standoff.
Obasa has rejected his removal as unconstitutional and, on February 27, stormed the Assembly complex with heavy security, broke into the Speaker’s office, and resumed duty.
His supporters have since laid siege to the Assembly, demanding his reinstatement.
In response, Obasa has filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Lagos Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The Ikeja Court has set March 7, 2025, for the hearing of the case.
Despite the crisis, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, in a circular issued earlier, officially recognised the leadership change and urged staff to support the new Speaker and Acting Clerk.
