Obasa’s claim to Assembly seat is clear lawlessness – Jide Johnson

A public affairs analyst and senior lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Dr. Jide Johnson, has described the incident at the Lagos State House of Assembly—where removed Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stormed the chambers, broke down doors, and declared himself Speaker—as clear lawlessness.

Lagos was thrown into panic on Monday when Obasa, who was ousted as Speaker on January 13 by 32 lawmakers, stormed the Assembly Complex with thugs and policemen, forcefully gaining entry into the House Chambers to preside over plenary with just four lawmakers.

This came after the security details of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, were withdrawn while Obasa’s security was reinstated—an indication of possible police complicity.

Reacting to the incident, Jide Johnson condemned Obasa’s actions, calling them a blatant display of lawlessness and a total disregard for democratic institutions.

“The incident today is appalling—it is an embarrassment. This is a clear case of lawlessness. Forget whatever Obasa said on TV; we saw the video of him breaking into the House. This is a sad moment for Lagos. If someone had told you last year that such a thing would happen in a state like Lagos, you and I would have said it was impossible,” he said.