Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has denied allegations linking him to the stockpiling of firearms in his office. This comes as the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, dismissed rumors of her resignation.
Obasa responded to claims that 47 pump-action guns were discovered by Department of State Services (DSS) officials during a recent inspection of the assembly. Reports varied, with some stating the weapons were found in Obasa’s office and others in the former Chief Security Officer’s office. In a statement released by his aide, Obasa labeled the reports as fabricated and malicious, stating, “This concocted story aims to tarnish my long-standing reputation.”
A source within the DSS confirmed to The PUNCH that the allegations of weapon discoveries were untrue. Obasa’s statement emphasized that the claims were an attempt to undermine his decades of political service.
In a related development, Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, refuted claims of Meranda resigning from her position. An unverified letter circulating on social media suggested her resignation, but The PUNCH found no signature on the document.
Additionally, the Lagos Assembly rejected claims that 27 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were defecting to the Labour Party. Ogundipe Olukayode, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, asserted that the APC remains united and that such defection reports are baseless.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos has urged Obasa to prioritize peace, following a recent leadership crisis in the assembly that began when 32 of the 40 members removed him as Speaker. IPAC Chairperson Temilola Akinade stated that personal interests should not disrupt democracy and called for an end to the ongoing turmoil.
Akinade expressed concern for Meranda, urging that the emotional strain she is experiencing should be alleviated to allow her to fulfill her role effectively.
