Tensions escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as lawmakers clashed with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) over what they described as an unauthorized invasion of the legislative complex.
The lawmakers decried the security agency’s presence, accusing them of obstructing legislative activities by sealing off key offices of the speaker, deputy speaker, and clerk, while the DSS insisted they were acting on an official request for security reinforcement.
Meanwhile, embattled former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa is set to return to the Assembly today, further heightening political uncertainty.
Lawmakers Decry DSS Presence at Assembly
Upon arrival at the Assembly complex on Monday morning, lawmakers and staff were met with heavy security presence as DSS operatives took over the premises as early as 8 am, subjecting all entrants to thorough checks. Reports soon emerged that the legislative chamber had been locked, preventing lawmakers from convening for plenary.
Initially, there were speculations of a bomb scare following the discovery of suspected explosive devices within the chamber. However, it was later revealed that the security deployment was linked to concerns over Obasa’s planned resumption.
The situation turned chaotic as Assembly staff forcibly broke open the chamber’s doors chanting solidarity songs, enabling lawmakers to hold a session. In the ensuing commotion, a lawmaker, Olayinka Kazeem, collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later revived. Speaker Mojisola Meranda, who arrived at the complex in tears, presided over the emergency plenary amid an atmosphere of unrest.
DSS Claims It Acted on Official Request
The DSS defended its actions, stating that its presence at the Assembly was in response to a security request by the House management. A letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by Acting Clerk A. Ottun, had informed security agencies of “credible intelligence indicating plans to forcibly reinstate impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on February 18, 2025.”
The letter, titled ‘Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,’ and addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos, read in part:
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. We kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and as well observe strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”
However, lawmakers rejected the DSS’s justification, arguing that their mandate was never to obstruct legislative business.
Lawmakers Condemn ‘Assault on Democracy’
The Assembly’s Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security Chairman, Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1), expressed outrage over the DSS’s actions, emphasizing that the lawmakers never instructed the agency to shut down legislative activities.
“We wish to categorically state that this is not the first time the House has sought security support from DSS. However, it is important to emphasize that in all previous instances, DSS operatives had been stationed at the main gate of the Assembly complex, ensuring that unauthorized persons do not gain entry.
“For avoidance of doubt, at no point did the letter requesting security assistance instruct the DSS to invade the legislative chamber; lock and restrict access to the Speaker’s office; lock the office of the Acting Clerk; lock the Deputy Speaker’s office.
“The events of today raise serious concerns about undue interference in legislative affairs. The sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly was undermined by armed DSS operatives who actively obstructed lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties. This act amounts to an infringement on the independence of the legislature and a direct assault on democratic governance.”
“We reiterate that the lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have taken a decisive and lawful step in the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. We stand firmly behind the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and remain resolute in our commitment to enacting laws that foster the development and progress of Lagos State.”
Other lawmakers, including Temitope Adewale (Ifako 1), Suraju Tijani (Ojo 2), and Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1), echoed similar sentiments, calling the incident an “abuse of legislative procedure” and a “shameful assault on democracy.”
Temitope Adewale, Majority leader, representing Ifako 1, said:
“Today will be a day I will never forget in my life. Today, we have seen beyond what we never thought will happen. We have elected you (Meranda) as the Speaker of the Assembly and we are calling on President Tinubu to call the DSS to order.”
A motion was moved by Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi 2) to pass a vote of confidence in Speaker Meranda, which was unanimously supported before the House adjourned sitting indefinitely.
Obasa’s Camp Plans Resumption Today
Amid the crisis, former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was impeached on January 13, 2025, in absentia, is expected to return to the Assembly today (February 18). Obasa, who has been away from public appearances for over a month, is reportedly mobilizing supporters and wooing lawmakers to regain his position.
Obasa has also filed a lawsuit challenging his impeachment, seeking an accelerated hearing at the Ikeja High Court. His removal has polarized political stakeholders in the state, including members of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), some of whom have expressed support for his reinstatement.
Calls for Investigation and Presidential Intervention
Before adjourning indefinitely, lawmakers called on the Director of DSS in Lagos to provide explanations for the invasion. They also urged President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the National Assembly, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in preventing further escalation of the crisis.
Former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd), described the DSS’s actions as an abuse of power, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
“Of all the components of contemporary states, effective legal institutions are perhaps the most difficult to construct or endure. Let the rule of law prevail in the tussle for the speakership position in the Lagos State Assembly.”
Similarly, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), in a statement by its President Alex Omotehinse, warned against undermining democratic institutions.
“Democracy must not be trampled or surrendered. Speaker Meranda must be allowed to exercise unfettered freedom in conducting legislative business and presiding over the House without intimidation or harassment.”
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are on today’s developments, with Obasa’s planned resumption likely to further test the stability of the Lagos State House of Assembly.