LAGOS — The Lagos State House of Assembly was thrown into turmoil on Monday as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the premises, allegedly on the orders of the assembly clerk.
The development comes just weeks after the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, whose attempts to reclaim his position have fueled tension among lawmakers.
The DSS operatives, heavily armed and dressed in black jackets and face masks, barricaded the entrance to the assembly chambers, preventing lawmakers from accessing the premises. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the legislators forced their way into the chamber and reaffirmed their support for the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Security Presence Sparks Uproar
The invasion, reportedly triggered by a letter from the assembly clerk to the DSS, intensified the leadership tussle. A letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by Acting Clerk A.T.B. Ottun, cited a “potential security threat” posed by Obasa’s planned return on February 18. The letter, titled “URGENT: ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR LSHA PREMISES,” instructed the DSS to fortify security at the assembly complex and enforce strict access control.
The presence of security operatives led to a tense standoff, with lawmakers and assembly workers engaging in heated confrontations with DSS officers. The situation escalated when some lawmakers were denied access to their offices, leading to delays in the scheduled plenary session.
Obasa’s Legal Battle
Obasa, who was removed by a majority vote on January 13, 2025, was reportedly on holiday in Atlanta, USA, when his impeachment took place. Seeking legal redress, the ousted speaker approached a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja last week, challenging his removal on the grounds that the House was in recess at the time. His counsel, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afolabi Fashanu, filed a motion on February 12, 2025, requesting an accelerated hearing.
Legislators Condemn DSS Invasion
During the Monday plenary, which eventually commenced at 12:51 PM, lawmakers expressed outrage over the DSS’ actions. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1) raised a motion under Personal Explanation, condemning the invasion and calling for the Director-General of the DSS to explain the agency’s involvement.
Other lawmakers, including Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1), Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2), and Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu 1), decried the incident, describing it as an “assault on democracy” and a “violation of legislative independence.” Oluwa, visibly shaken, criticized the security operatives for their “unwarranted harassment,” while Ogunleye urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure accountability.
Amid the uproar, one lawmaker, Kazeem Osho (Mushin 2), was reportedly rushed to the hospital due to the heightened tension in the chamber.
House Adjourns Indefinitely
Despite the chaos, Speaker Meranda presided over the session, marking her seventh plenary since assuming office. In a show of solidarity, the lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her leadership before the assembly adjourned indefinitely.
The political crisis in the Lagos Assembly is far from over, with speculations rife that Obasa may attempt to return in the coming days. However, with the indefinite adjournment, it remains unclear when the next sitting will hold, leaving the fate of the embattled former speaker in limbo.
