The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified that its operatives were invited by the Lagos State House of Assembly to provide security, refuting claims that they forcefully invaded the premises.
According to the DSS, the request for security was made in a letter dated February 14, 2025, signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun. The letter warned of a planned attempt to reinstate the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, through force, posing a security threat.
On February 16, DSS operatives, along with other security agencies, took positions at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja. Reports indicate that they sealed off the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk. They also reportedly attempted to prevent lawmakers from accessing the chamber.
Despite the security presence, lawmakers eventually gained access and proceeded with their plenary session. The Assembly members, however, strongly condemned the DSS’s actions, labeling it an assault on democracy.
Outrage from Lawmakers
Lawmakers from various constituencies took turns to denounce the DSS’s actions. Mr. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 2) described it as a “Gestapo-style invasion,” calling for the DSS Director-General to be summoned for questioning.
Stephen Ogundipe, the House spokesperson, referred to the incident as a “rape on democracy,” while Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2) criticized the harassment as “unnecessary and unprofessional.”
Ikorodu 1 representative, Gbolahan Ogunleye, urged a high-powered investigation into the security breach, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene. Similarly, Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) and Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) decried the act as an abuse of legislative autonomy.
The Assembly members maintained that Obasa’s removal was justified, citing alleged intimidation and high-handedness. They emphasized that the leadership change was a legislative decision and should not have warranted a security crackdown.
Following the heated session, the lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Speaker Mojisola Meranda. The House subsequently adjourned sitting indefinitely.