Leadership crisis rocks State assemblies (full list of affected States)
The ongoing leadership crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly intensified on Monday as security operatives disrupted plenary and sealed off critical offices, including those of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk of the House.
According to reports, the Assembly complex was thrown into commotion as lawmakers forcefully entered the chambers to reaffirm their support for Speaker Meranda.
Reports indicate that the Department of State Services (DSS) was deployed to secure the premises, allegedly on the orders of the clerk.
Meanwhile, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC)—the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State—has confirmed plans to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve the crisis.
Tensions have escalated following attempts by ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim his position. Obasa, who was removed by a majority of lawmakers on January 13, 2025, has challenged his removal in court, arguing that the decision—taken while the Assembly was on recess—was unlawful.
Other States Facing Assembly Leadership Crises
The turmoil in Lagos mirrors similar leadership struggles in state assemblies across Nigeria, where political disputes have triggered power tussles and security interventions.
Rivers State
In December 2023, 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, deepening political tensions. The defection was widely viewed as an alignment with former governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), amid his rift with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Assembly remains divided between factions led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who is loyal to Wike, and Victor Oko Jumbo, who supports Governor Fubara. The crisis has resulted in multiple court battles and political standoffs.
Ogun State
In January 2024, Olakunle Oluomo was impeached as Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly by 18 lawmakers and swiftly replaced by Oludaisi Elemide from the Odeda State Constituency.
Oluomo was reportedly attending a customary court judges’ swearing-in ceremony in Abeokuta when his colleagues moved against him. Governor Dapo Abiodun later attributed the impeachment to long-standing internal disputes within the Assembly.
Ondo State
In June 2023, security operatives sealed off the Ondo State House of Assembly amid rumors of an attempt to impeach Speaker Bamidele Oloyelogun. The crisis erupted shortly after an alleged resignation letter from Oloyelogun surfaced.
Security forces blocked the two main gates leading to the Assembly, escalating tensions. Days later, on June 4, 2023, Olamide Oladiji was elected as the new Speaker.
Nasarawa State
In 2023, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly was plunged into crisis when two factions emerged, each claiming legitimacy.
Two APC lawmakers, Daniel Ogazi and Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, were elected as rival Speakers in separate sittings held at different locations. Abdullahi, the former Speaker seeking a third term, was elected at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Lafia, while Ogazi was chosen at the Assembly complex.
This parallel leadership structure led to deep divisions and legal battles over the speakership’s legitimacy.
Benue State
In 2018, the Benue State House of Assembly faced a major leadership crisis when Speaker Terkimbi Ikyange was impeached and suspended for six months over alleged “unparliamentary behavior.”
Security forces locked the Assembly complex, preventing lawmakers from convening. Determined to hold a session, legislators scaled the perimeter wall, only to find the chambers locked as well. They ultimately relocated their sitting to the Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi to proceed with legislative activities.
