The Lagos State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a tumultuous power struggle concerning the position of Clerk, culminating in a dramatic confrontation involving the suspended Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko. The saga began with Onafeko’s suspension on January 13th by a two-thirds majority of the House members over allegations of financial impropriety. Following his suspension, the House appointed Mr. Babatunde Ottun as the acting Clerk, a move that sparked further controversy and legal action. Mr. Onafeko challenged his suspension and the appointment of his replacement in the National Industrial Court. This legal challenge added another layer of complexity to the already tense situation, ultimately leading to a showdown at the Assembly premises.
The situation escalated on Wednesday when Onafeko, accompanied by unidentified individuals, arrived at the Assembly and parked his car, obstructing the staff gate. According to the Assembly’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Kabir Kushoro, Onafeko then attempted to force his way into the Clerk’s office, an act that the House leadership deemed a blatant disregard for established protocols and security regulations. This action was seen as a direct challenge to the Assembly’s authority and a disruption of its activities. Kushoro further stated that the incident represented an affront to the institution’s integrity and that appropriate measures would be taken to maintain order and discipline within the Assembly.
Onafeko’s actions coincided with a significant legal development in his ongoing case against the Assembly, the acting Clerk, and the State Government. The National Industrial Court ruled in Onafeko’s favor, ordering his reinstatement as Clerk and restraining Babatunde Ottun from acting in that capacity. Justice M. N. Esowe issued an ex-parte order preventing Ottun from presenting himself as the Clerk, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction. This ruling created a paradoxical situation where the suspended Clerk, now reinstated by the court, was attempting to re-enter the Assembly premises while the acting Clerk, now legally barred from the position, presumably remained within the Assembly.
The Assembly’s response, as conveyed by Kushoro’s statement, emphasized the legal recourse available to Onafeko and urged him to pursue his case through the proper channels rather than resorting to disruptive actions. The statement underscores the importance of respecting legal processes and maintaining decorum within the Assembly. Kushoro also confirmed that the relevant authorities had been notified of the incident and that steps were being taken to prevent further security breaches. This highlighted the Assembly’s commitment to preserving order and security within its premises while simultaneously dealing with the internal conflict regarding the Clerk’s position.
The incident involving Onafeko’s attempted entry into the Assembly exposed the underlying tensions and power struggles within the Lagos State House of Assembly. The dispute over the Clerk’s position has not only disrupted the Assembly’s operations but has also raised questions about the institution’s internal governance and its adherence to due process. The contrasting narratives presented by Onafeko’s actions and the Assembly’s response underscore the deep divisions within the legislative body. While Onafeko’s actions could be interpreted as an assertion of his legal right to the Clerk’s position following the court ruling, the Assembly perceived them as an act of defiance and a breach of security.
This incident serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by democratic institutions in upholding the rule of law while navigating internal conflicts. The legal battle between Onafeko and the Assembly highlights the importance of an independent judiciary in resolving disputes and ensuring accountability within government bodies. However, the incident also underscores the potential for conflict between different branches of government, and the need for clear mechanisms to address such conflicts in a manner that respects the principles of due process and the separation of powers. The ongoing situation in the Lagos State House of Assembly will undoubtedly continue to be closely watched as the legal proceedings unfold and the Assembly grapples with the implications of the court’s ruling and Onafeko’s subsequent actions.
