Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, was absent from plenary on Monday, days after insisting he remained the legitimate speaker following his impeachment.
Despite his claims that the impeachment process was flawed, the Assembly has moved on, with the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, presiding over the session.
Monday marked the third plenary since Obasa’s removal, with the embattled former speaker absent from all sessions so far.
The Assembly premises saw heightened security, with officials instructed to present valid identity cards for access, and a heavy presence of police officers stationed around the complex.
During Monday’s session, Meranda and 39 other members of the House gathered for a group photograph, seemingly to dispel rumors of a division among lawmakers following Obasa’s impeachment.
Obasa had, over the weekend, insisted in a statement that he remained the speaker, arguing that the impeachment did not follow due process.
However, the Assembly continues its legislative duties under Meranda’s leadership.
At Monday’s plenary, it was anticipated that Meranda would announce the appointment of chairpersons for standing committees to oversee the activities of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Lagos State.
The unfolding events signal the Assembly’s intent to consolidate its position and proceed with governance despite Obasa’s contestation of his impeachment. More developments are expected in the coming days.