Tension gripped the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday morning as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the complex
According to a post on the Assembly website, , DSS officers gained access to the Assembly chambers and took control, preventing lawmakers and staff from carrying out their duties. Despite the disruption, some members and staff managed to force their way inside to continue with the day’s session.
During deliberations, lawmakers strongly condemned the DSS’s actions, describing them as an attack on democratic principles.
Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho II) raised the issue on the floor, expressing deep concern over the incident.
“Today, the proceedings were supposed to start by 12 noon. But what we met on the ground was amazing. We met DSS officials with some of them in the chamber and heavily armed. We don’t know why they did that,” he said.
Majority Leader Hon. Adewale Temitope described the event as an unforgettable moment in the Assembly’s history.
“Today will be a day I will never forget in my life as a parliamentarian. Today, we have seen beyond what we ever thought could happen at the foremost House of Assembly,” he stated.
Hon. Tobun Abiodun stressed that the incident posed a direct threat to democracy.
“This is democracy. It is not a government by barrels of guns. We were elected to represent our people and we have that right to represent them well.
“We all fought for democracy to stand. What happened today is harassment, and we believe that the security operatives who carried it out were not sent but simply want to impress some powers.
“If someone feels aggrieved, he should go to a court of competent jurisdiction rather than for some DSS officers to invade the House. It is a national embarrassment to democracy,”* he declared.
Hon. Lanre Afinni recounted how he and several colleagues were previously arrested by the DSS without clear justification, except for their role in the removal of the former Speaker.
“This action of the DSS has taken us back,” he lamented, urging the National Assembly to step in and protect the Lagos Assembly.
Hon. Steve Ogundipe echoed similar sentiments, insisting that the Assembly was not engaged in any conflict but condemned the invasion.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu described the development as a serious assault on democratic institutions.
“As we know, an attack on the parliament is a direct attack on democracy. It is the parliament that tells us we have democracy.”
“If the parliament is invaded, then what Asiwaju fought for, went on exile for, becomes meaningless,”* he said, calling on the DSS to explain their actions.”
Hon. Sobur Oluwa also criticized the DSS, labeling their actions unprofessional.
“I am still shivering at the way this happened. We have decided that we want someone else to protect the interest of our people. I don’t think it should be an issue,” he remarked.
Following the debate, the House passed a vote of confidence in Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, as staff members erupted in cheers and solidarity chants.
Amid the ongoing leadership crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Police Service Commission has appointed Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police for Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.
Although the commission did not specify the reason for Jimoh’s deployment, political observers believe it is connected to the prolonged leadership dispute within the state legislature.
The crisis intensified on January 13, 2025, when former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was ousted after more than two-thirds of the 40-member Assembly voted for his removal over allegations of misconduct and other offenses.
Following his removal, then-Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was elected as his replacement, making history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
