Godsent Ogbebor
Lagos Assembly Orders Staff to Work Remotely
The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely indefinitely due to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Assembly.
The directive, issued by Acting Clerk Babatunde Ottun, was communicated in a memo on Sunday titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement.”
The crisis began in January when 32 lawmakers voted to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, replacing Obasa with his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda.
Tensions escalated further on February 17 when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) sealed off the Assembly complex to prevent a plenary session.
Despite this, lawmakers forced their way into the chambers, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely while reaffirming their support for Meranda.
The standoff turned violent, leading to the trial of three Assembly staff members accused of assaulting DSS operatives.
Read also: JUST IN: Tension Erupts as armed personnel take over Lagos assembly complex
Obasa, rejecting his removal as unconstitutional, stormed the Assembly complex on February 27 with heavy security, allegedly breaking into the Speaker’s office and resuming duties. His supporters also gathered at the Assembly to demand his reinstatement.
Obasa has since filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal, with the Ikeja Court set to hear the case on Friday.
Despite the turmoil, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, has recognized the leadership change and urged staff to support the new Speaker.
Acting Clerk Ottun emphasized that the remote work directive is necessary to ensure staff safety and maintain order.
“All staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides are requested to work remotely until further notice,” Ottun stated, assuring workers of Speaker Meranda’s commitment to their security and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
