Nigeria, Feb. 28 -- A top security official told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Obasa was provided with security officials as speaker because his removal was illegal.

"Obasa was not properly impeached as Speaker, so his removal is illegal," the source said asking not to be named as he has no permission to talk to journalists.

Although Mr Obasa's struggles appear to be with his colleagues, insiders in the state say his major problem is with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Although many state governors in Nigeria have a firm control of their House of Assembly including the speaker, it has never been so since Mr Sanwo-Olu assumed the Lagos governorship seat. Although both men are members of the ruling party, APC, their relationship has been like that...