TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lagos State

  • BREAKING: Drama in Lagos Assembly as Obasa is elected Speaker, Meranda Deputy

    BREAKING: Drama in Lagos Assembly as Obasa is elected Speaker, Meranda Deputy

    The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has been re-elected as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports incumbent Speaker Mojisola Meranda resigned from her position and has been re-elected as Deputy Speaker.

    “I didn’t take this decision lightly. I am not a quitter. I took this decision to save this house from further embarrassment.

    “I am making a personal sacrifice by stepping down as Speaker,” Meranda said.

    Following her resignation, Meranda was nominated again for the position of Deputy Speaker.

    This is coming after Obasa held a meeting with Meranda and 34 other lawmakers at the assembly complex on Monday.

    Also present at the meeting is the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Cornelius Ojelabi.

    It was observed that Obasa, who arrived at the assembly complex at about 1:45 p.m., exchanged pleasantries with the 35 lawmakers.

    The meeting between the two factions was connected to how to resolve the speakership crisis at the state assembly.

     

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Meranda to resign as Lagos Assembly sets to elect new Speaker

    BREAKING: Meranda to resign as Lagos Assembly sets to elect new Speaker

    Barring any last-minute interventions, the Lagos State House of Assembly will, by Wednesday, elect a new Speaker, who is expected to come from the Lagos West Senatorial District.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the current Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda is expected to resign from her position on Monday to pave way for a new Speaker to emerge.

    These far-reaching decisions are the outcome of a meeting the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC) held with members of the State House of Assembly on Sunday.

    This is expected to put an end to the current controversy rocking the State House of Assembly following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.

    Recall that on January 13, a speakership crisis erupted in the Lagos Assembly following Obasa’s removal over alleged financial misconduct and gross impropriety.

    Obasa was immediately replaced by his Deputy, Mojisola Meranda, while Fatai Mojeed was appointed as the new Deputy Speaker.

    However, the leadership crisis took a new dimension last Thursday when the ousted Speaker stormed the Assembly and insisted that he was never removed.

    Obasa subsequently dragged members of the State Assembly and the current Speaker to court, challenging his removal as Speaker.

    During the meeting of the GAC with members of the State assembly, the warring parties agreed that Meranda will resign and Obasa will return as Speaker and also resign officially.

    By Wednesday, both resignation letters are expected to have gotten to the GAC and the council expected to advise the Assembly of who to elect as the new Speaker from Lagos West Senatorial District.

     

    This is a developing story…

  • LASEMA battles raging fire at Ago medical facility

    LASEMA battles raging fire at Ago medical facility

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says it has successfully contained a raging fire that engulfed sections of a storey building housing Ago Medical Centre, off Ago Palace Way, Okota.

    Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, disclosed this in a statement in the early hours of Saturday.

    Oke-Osanyintolu said that the agency activated the state’s emergency response plan and its response team from Oshodi, following distress calls received on its 767/112 Emergency Toll-Free Lines at 18.29hrs on Friday.

    “Upon arrival at 18.50hrs, LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team discovered that sections of a storey building which housed a hospital was being gutted by fire at the aforementioned address.

    “Preliminary investigations conducted by LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team revealed that the immediate cause of the inferno was a power surge which led to a spark when public electricity power supply was restored,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

    He said that no lives were lost nor injuries recorded due to the incident.

    He noted that the fire was being contained through collaborative efforts of the LASEMA Response Team (LRU) Fire Unit and other responders, to prevent it from spreading to adjoining buildings in the area.

    “The fire is still raging and responders are battling to put it off. Response and Recovery Operations are in progress,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

    He listed emergency responders at the scene as including LASEMA Response Team, LASEMA Fire Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos Neighbourhood and Security Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.

  • Lagos GAC opens up on Obasa’s removal, return

    Lagos GAC opens up on Obasa’s removal, return

    Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the Chairman, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State says council was not consulted before impeaching Mr Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    Olusi, speaking with newsmen in an interview at his residence on Friday, said that lawmakers neither consulted the party nor the council.

    He said that the council should not be dragged into the leadership crisis that saw the removal of Obasa and his replacement by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda.

    “Members of the GAC are not members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to allegedly be behind the removal of Obasa. It can’t be true.

    “We read it also that morning. The lawmakers carried it out without consulting the party and those of us in the GAC. That is our position.

    “We invited all of them and insisted that all of them are products of the party. They lodged their complaints and we listened to them.

    “I blamed them for one thing and that is for not lodging the complaints earlier before the party.

    “It is for the party to decide, they (lawmakers) have no absolute power to remove and install their leaders.

    “Nobody can become a member of the House of Assembly unless sponsors by a political party and the sponsors are the inspectors,” Olusi said.

    The APC apex leader said that the speakership crisis in the House remained a problem between Obasa and his colleagues in the House.

    “The problem is the speaker (Obasa) and his colleagues which had led to his removal. It is a disputer among them,” he added.

    He said no organ of government was totally independent of the other, adding that the party, GAC and another high powered committee set up was working tirelessly to resolve the dispute.

    “Currently, there is a high powered committee of the party led by Chief Bisi Akande and members, including Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and former APC National Vice Chairman, South-west, Chief Pius Akinyelure and others,

    “They are working and making efforts to resolve the matter. I know they are in consultation with the House of Assembly, Obasa and the other Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

    “Those of us in the GAC and the Chairman of the Party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi are doing all within our power to assist the committee,” he added.

    Speaking on dissenting views expressed by some members of the GAC, Olusi said that those who spoke expressed their individual views, which they were entitled to, not the GAC’s.

    “One day, and very soon the matter will be settled. Dispute and differences are fact of life and dispute resolution and party mechanisms are also there.

    “You leave us alone, as a party we are conscious of our responsibility and that of the House of Assembly; we are going to do all within our powers to resolve the dispute, The overall responsibility is on the party,” he added.

    Recall that the leadership crisis took a new dimension on Thursday when the impeached speaker stormed the Assembly and insisted that he was never removed

    Obasa, who spoke with reporters shortly after he arrived the assembly complex with some security personnel, said that he had returned to the assembly to take charge.

    The visit was Obasa’s first appearance at the complex after he was impeached by his colleagues in January over alleged misconduct and financial impropriety.

    The impeached speaker returned on a day the security details of Mrs Mojisola Meranda, were withdrawn.

  • LASU warns new students against ‘hookup’

    LASU warns new students against ‘hookup’

    The Lagos State University (LASU) on Friday warned its students, especially females, against engaging in prostitution popularly known as ‘hookup’.

    LASU’s  Chief Security Coordinator, retired CSP Oluwole Ojo, gave the warning in  lecture at  the orientation  ceremony of  students for the 2024 Modular Year Sandwich Degree Programme.

    The event held at the university’s main campus at Ojo. The chief security coordinator said that results of such a lifestyle were always undesirable.

    He advised the students to face their studies to be able to graduate with good grades.

    “You will find out that those that engage in hookup usually end up dead if care is not taken. I advise you to desist from it.

    “We have CCTV cameras everywhere in the school  for your safety and the safety of  the staff and everyone that comes and goes out of the school,” he said.

    He also advised them to report any threats to the appropriate authorities for necessary actions.

    At the matriculation ceremony of the students later, the LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,  congratulated the students  for their admissions.

    She was represented by Prof. Adenike Boyo, LASU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).

    “Your choice to enrol into our sandwich degree programme is a clear indication of your belief in our capacity to provide qualitative education for you.

    “I want to assure you that you have taken a decision that you will never regret.

    “To this end, I advise you to embrace self-discipline. Take advantage of all  the opportunities that the university provided for you to succeed,” she said.

    The vice-chancellor advised the students to select their friends carefully.

    “Bad friends destroy good habits.  Also, shun deviant behaviours that could truncate your academic career,” she said.

    She said that the university had zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, corruption and hooliganism, adding that those found engaging in them would face disciplinary actions.

    “As you embark in this new chapter of your life, I encourage you to set goals, stay focused and never lose sight of your dreams,” she said.

    The Director, Directorate of Sandwich Degree Programme, LASU, Prof. John Adeogun, urged the new students to strive for excellence.

    “As you begin your studies as bonafide students of LASU, be assured that you have the same rights and privileges enjoyed by  our regular students.

    “I therefore encourage you to strive for excellence by carefully apportioning the amount of time you spend on your books, social engagements and workplace tasks,” he said.

  • Lagos begins road projects, urges resident cooperation

    Lagos begins road projects, urges resident cooperation

    The Lagos State Government has urged residents of Lagos Island to cooperate with urban regeneration agencies as they begin demolishing illegal structures to rehabilitate roads and start 15 projects.

    The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday.

    Mr Olufemi Daramola, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, made this known at the meeting.

    Ten roads set for reconstruction include Idumagbo Avenue, Ojo Giwa, Oroyinyin, Moshalasi, Okoya, and Iga-Iduganran Streets, as well as the completion of Adeniji Adele Road.

    Daramola said the Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to urban regeneration, road rehabilitation, and improving drainage systems in the area.

    “I have carefully listened to all stakeholders. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is responsive, and our THEMES Plus Agenda remains our guiding principle.

    “We will keep providing residents with the necessary infrastructure. Our royal fathers mentioned the need for a recreational centre. I have spoken to my counterpart, and we will look into it,” he said.

    He added that at least 15 road projects would be carried out in collaboration with the Office of Enterprise Geographic Information Service (E-GIS) and Urban Development.

    Mr Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), announced that demolitions of illegal structures would begin soon.

    “I always give a one-week notice before demolitions begin. We are coming, so please do what is necessary. Remove extensions to allow the right of way,” he said.

    Dr Olajide Babajide, Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development, also urged residents to allow officers to carry out their duties without obstruction.

    “This meeting is crucial. We must continue to collaborate to provide essential infrastructure. Urban regeneration is necessary for creating a conducive environment,” he said.

    Mr Lateef Somide, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Infrastructure, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive governance through stakeholder engagement.

    “Lagos Island is a commercial hub, and flooding has been a major issue. These road projects will bring social benefits and reduce travel time,” he said.

    Similarly, Mr Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, urged residents to support the government’s efforts to improve drainage and enhance the area’s aesthetics.

    “I urge residents to install septic tanks, dispose of waste properly, and avoid illegal construction as the government works on road and drainage reconstruction,” he said.

    The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by community leaders, residents, transport unions, and White Cap Chiefs.

  • Lagos Assembly affirms Meranda as Speaker as lawmakers gather in court for Obasa’s case

    Lagos Assembly affirms Meranda as Speaker as lawmakers gather in court for Obasa’s case

    Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have insisted that Mrs Mojisola Meranda remains Speaker of the parliament and has not resigned.

    The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, made this declaration in Lagos on Friday.

    Recall that the ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa declared on Thursday that he had returned as Speaker of the parliament.

    Obasa told reporters, shortly after arriving at the Assembly complex with heavy security, that he had not been removed from office.

    Obasa also stated that he was back at the Assembly to take charge.

    This was Obasa’s first appearance at the complex since his removal in January over alleged misconduct and financial impropriety.

    His return coincided with the alleged withdrawal of security details assigned to Mrs Mojisola Meranda, who was elected Speaker immediately after his removal.

    Ogundipe, in a statement, dismissed any speculation about Meranda’s resignation, stressing that she remains in office with the support of 36 colleagues.

    The Assembly spokesperson reaffirmed the lawmakers’ unwavering support for Meranda, praising her dedication to serving the people of Lagos.

    Ogundipe also alerted Nigerians and the global community to an unsanctioned attempt by the former Speaker and three members to convene a plenary session.

    He emphasised that a valid sitting requires formal notice to members, a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority.

    According to him, none of these conditions were met, as only five out of 40 members were present, rendering the session unconstitutional and without effect.

    He said: “The Lagos State House of Assembly remains steadfast in upholding legislative integrity and maintaining the highest parliamentary standards.

    “As an institution dedicated to the state’s progress, we will continue to act within the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.

    “Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who remains committed to serving Lagos residents.

    “Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office with the confidence and support of 36 colleagues.”

    Ogundipe said the House acknowledges the importance of party unity and aligns with the APC leadership in resolving internal misunderstandings.

    He assured that, in the meantime, lawmakers remain focused on their legislative duties and committed to the welfare of the people.

    Ogundipe urged all stakeholders to disregard misinformation and trust that the Assembly will continue to uphold democracy and good governance.

    Lagos lawmakers gather in court for Obasa’s case

    Meanwhile, twenty-nine lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have arrived at the Lagos State High Court for the hearing filed by ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

    Obasa went to court on Feb. 14 to challenge his removal by at least 35 colleagues on Jan. 13.

    A correspondent observed that Obasa was not present at the hearing.

    In an application dated 12 Feb. 12, 2025, his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), claimed Obasa was removed on Jan. 13 while he was abroad.

    The lead counsel representing Speaker Mojisola Meranda is Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

    Other lawyers for the lawmakers include Mr Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), and Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN).

    Also present are Dr Dada Awosika (SAN), Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN), Mr Mofe Oyetibo (SAN), Mr Olumide Oyewole, and Mr Wunmi Okeremi.

    At the time of filing this report, Obasa was absent, while the other lawmakers, including the speaker, had taken their seats for the hearing.

  • Lagos Assembly crisis: Why we withdrew Meranda’s security aides – Police

    Lagos Assembly crisis: Why we withdrew Meranda’s security aides – Police

    The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, has stated that the withdrawal of police officers attached to eminent personalities is in the public interest.

    He made this known while briefing journalists on Thursday at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

    According to him, the ongoing audit of police personnel in Lagos aims to enhance public safety and is not influenced by any other considerations.

    “Periodic audits of police personnel attached to VIPs and groups are a statutory police procedure, not limited to the Lagos State Police Command alone,” he said.

    He explained that the exercise ensures accountability for police officers, their firearms, and other crime-fighting equipment under their possession.

    Additionally, it guarantees that officers remain at their designated duty posts and that their firearms and equipment are not misused.

    “As we speak, other police commands across the country are conducting similar audits without any issues,” he added.

    The exercise also helps the command identify officers posted without approval or engaged in unauthorised duties so they can be withdrawn.

    “Those with invalid approvals or on illegal duties will be redeployed to police posts, stations, divisions, and area commands to strengthen security across Lagos,” he said.

    Jimoh emphasised that Lagos, with over 20 million residents, has fewer than 18,000 police officers and urgently needs more personnel at strategic locations.

    “The command requires more officers at police stations and divisions to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property in the state,” he noted.

    He confirmed that the audit of officers attached to Ms Mojisola Meranda, had been completed, and her four armed personnel had been reinstated.

    “The ongoing audit has been in progress for several days, with prominent individuals complying. It is not targeted at any specific person or group,” he clarified.

    He urged those with no valid approval or unauthorised police attachments to revalidate their status or apply afresh to the Inspector-General of Police.

    “For those still undergoing the audit, the outcome will determine the next steps regarding their police protection,” Jimoh stated.

    He warned that police officers attached to individuals without valid approval would be withdrawn across the state.

    The Special Protection Units (SPU) at Force Headquarters, he added, have been mandated to provide security coverage for Nigerians requiring police protection.

    “Henceforth, all police personnel deployments for guard duties and personal protection will be centrally managed at the Force Headquarters,” he explained.

    He noted that some approvals for police attachments in Lagos could not be traced or verified during the audit.

    However, affected individuals could apply to the Inspector-General of Police for urgent consideration in line with police regulations.

    Jimoh also confirmed that Mr Mudashiru Obasa had recently applied for police protection due to threats against his life and family, which was approved.

    He stated that the command was unaware of how or when the Speaker’s office at the Lagos State House of Assembly was broken into.

    “The command remains neutral in the matter and is committed to ensuring law, order, and public safety throughout Lagos,” he assured.

    He appealed for calm, urging residents to continue their lawful activities peacefully.

    “The police presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly has been reinforced with additional Mobile Force Units, Counter-Terrorism Units, and Special Protection Units,” he revealed.

    Other reinforcements include Bomb Squads, conventional police teams, detectives, Armoured Personnel Carriers, and patrol teams to prevent any security breaches.

    He clarified that the police are responsible for security outside the Assembly premises and do not interfere in political matters unless criminal activities are reported.

    “The command will remain neutral and will not be involved in politics. Security at the State House of Assembly is under control, and normalcy has been restored,” he said.

    Jimoh urged Lagos residents to continue their daily activities without fear, as the police are committed to maintaining law and order across the state.

  • Why I ‘stormed’ Lagos Assembly today – Obasa

    Why I ‘stormed’ Lagos Assembly today – Obasa

    The ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa has opened up on the drama that transpired at the assembly complex today.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports drama ensued when Mr Obasa stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday surrounded by security personnel.

    Obasa arrived at the Lagos Assembly complex at about 12:05 pm accompanied by some lawmakers loyal to him.

    He went straight into the Speaker’s office while other lawmakers, loyal to Mojisola Meranda, watched as the drama unfolded.

    Addressing assembly correspondents at the complex, Obasa argued that he was never removed, adding that he had returned to  the assembly to take charge.

    “I have resumed and I still remain the speaker of the Assembly. I was never removed.

    “Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow the due process.

    “I am not against my removal. I am a democrat, but if the process had been fair, then I would not have gone against it,” Obasa said.

    When asked why he was returning to the assembly when he had filed a suit challenging his removal in court, Obasa said there was no such suit in court.

    Obasa said he was  back at the assembly not to take revenge or victimise any lawmaker.

    He described Lagos  lawmakers as great colleagues, committed to the progress of the state.

    TNG reports the  visit was Obasa’s  first appearance at the complex after he was removed by his colleagues  in January over  alleged misconduct and financial impropriety.

    The ousted Speaker returned on a day the security details of Meranda, who was elected by the lawmakers immediately after Obasa’s removal, were withdrawn.

    Victor Ganzalo, Meranda’s media aide, who confirmed the withdrawal of his  principal’s security aides in a statement, also said all personnel providing security at the assembly complex had been withdrawn.

    Obasa told assembly correspondents that his security details had been restored and that he was back to his position as Speaker.

  • Lagos Assembly condemns actions of suspended Clerk

    Lagos Assembly condemns actions of suspended Clerk

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned the unauthorised entry of suspended Clerk, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, into the Assembly premises following his suspension announcement on Jan. 13

    The Assembly’s Chief Security Officer, Mr Kabir Kushoro, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday.

    Onafeko was suspended on the House floor by a two-thirds majority of members over alleged financial misappropriation.

    The National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos on Thursday sacked the acting Clerk, Babatunde Ottun, who was appointed by Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

    The court subsequently ordered the reinstatement of Onafeko as the Clerk of the House.

    The claimant in suit number NICN/LA/23/2025 sought an interim injunction restraining six defendants from appointing anyone, including Babatunde, as Clerk.

    This order remains in effect pending the hearing of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction already filed in the case.

    Granting the application, Justice M. N. Esowe issued an ex parte order preventing Babatunde from parading himself as Clerk.

    “The parties shall maintain peace and status quo ante bellum until the motion on notice is heard and determined,” Esowe ordered in a ruling.

    In his statement, Kushoro said Onafeko arrived with unknown men and blocked the Assembly staff gate with his car at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

    He further alleged that Onafeko later attempted to break into the Clerk’s office.

    “This act of defiance constitutes a clear disregard for legislative protocols and security regulations.

    “The House leadership views this action as an affront to the institution’s integrity and will take all necessary steps to uphold discipline and order.

    “Onafeko has a pending suit against the Assembly, the Acting Clerk, and the State Government. He should focus on the legal process instead of disrupting Assembly activities,” Kushoro said.

    Kushoro confirmed that relevant authorities had been informed, and necessary measures were being taken to prevent further security breaches.