…CSO Condemns Act
There was mild drama at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday when suspended Clerk Olalekan Onafeko attempted to resume duty but was denied access to his office.
Onafeko, who was removed on January 13, arrived at the Assembly Complex around 9 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer, security personnel, and individuals said to be DSS operatives. However, he was politely turned back.
According to an eyewitness, “The suspended clerk was advised by the Assembly’s lawyer to leave the premises peacefully, as the matter is already before the court.”
A viral video captured Assembly staff jeering and booing as Onafeko was escorted out, chanting slogans expressing discontent over his presence.
In response, the Assembly management, through a statement by its Chief Security Officer, Kushoro Idowu, condemned Onafeko’s actions.
The statement, titled “Unauthorized Entry into the Lagos State House of Assembly Premises by Suspended Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko,” read:
“The Lagos State House of Assembly condemns the unauthorized and forceful entry of suspended Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, into the premises following his suspension by a two-thirds majority of House members.
“It was on record that he arrived with unknown individuals, blocked the Assembly staff gate with his car at approximately 9 a.m., and attempted to break into the Clerk’s office.
“This act of defiance disregards legislative protocols and security regulations. The House leadership views this as an affront to the integrity of the institution and will take necessary steps to uphold discipline and order.
“Since Olalekan Onafeko has already filed a lawsuit against the Assembly, the Acting Clerk, and the Lagos State Government, he should focus on the legal process instead of disrupting activities in the Assembly.
“The appropriate authorities have been informed, and necessary measures are being taken to prevent further security breaches.”
The National Industrial Court in Lagos had earlier ruled in Onafeko’s favor, ordering the removal of Acting Clerk Ottun Babatunde and reinstating Onafeko.
Justice M. N. Esowe granted an ex parte application filed by Onafeko through his counsel, Yusuf Nurudeen, against six defendants, including:
Lagos State Government
Lagos State Civil Service Commission
Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission
Speaker of the Assembly
Attorney-General of Lagos State
Acting Clerk, Ottun Babatunde
The court restrained the defendants from appointing or recognizing any individual—including Babatunde—as Clerk, pending the hearing of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.
In a ruling dated February 20, Justice Esowe ordered: “That both parties shall maintain peace and the status quo ante bellum until the motion on notice is heard and determined.”
The motion is scheduled for hearing on March 3, 2024.
The crisis stems from the ongoing leadership tussle following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who has also sued the Assembly and Speaker Mojisola Meranda for redress.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on: President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, The National Assembly and Relevant stakeholders to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating.
Reports indicate that Speaker Meranda may step down following mediation efforts led by Pa Bisi Akande and Aremo Segun Osoba at a meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
As of the time of filing this report, consultations and negotiations are ongoing, but Meranda has not issued any statement on whether she will resign. (Vanguard)
