Speakership battle: Showdown in Lagos Assembly as DSS clashes with lawmakers, seals Speaker, Deputy offices
…36 lawmakers pass vote of confidence in Speaker, as Assembly adjourns plenary indefinitely
…DSS claims invitation by Acting Clerk, denies presidency’s interference
…Stop interfering in state matters, focus on bringing Nigeria out of mess — Atiku tells Tinubu
By Sodiq Adelakun
A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as officials from the Department of State Services (DSS) clashed with legislative workers amid the ongoing speakership battle.
The chaos erupted when DSS operatives, dressed in black jackets and helmets and armed with weapons, confronted lawmakers and staff inside the chamber.
The confrontation occurred at the entrance to the Assembly chamber, sparking confusion and pandemonium as the security agents struggled with legislative workers.
The DSS officials were reportedly attempting to gain access to the offices of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, sealing both offices in a bold move that further escalated the tension.
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly criticised the Monday invasion by the Department of State Services and Nigeria Police, calling it a “rape of democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.”
During a plenary session attended by 36 lawmakers, the legislators demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS about the reasons for the security personnel’s presence at the legislative complex.
They also urged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the event and give the public a detailed report on the results.
The Assembly also requested President Bola Tinubu to intervene promptly to avoid further escalation of the crisis.
Outraged, the politicians unanimously condemned the invasion, claiming it was an abuse of legislative procedure and a threat to democratic administration in the state.
“This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy. What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment,” said Abiodun Tobun during the session.
He also underlined the legislators’ commitment to the Speaker of the House, saying, “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you.”
Another politician, Gbolahan Yishawu, called the incident “an unacceptable overreach by security agencies,” emphasising that the legislature must be allowed to act independently and without fear.
“The Nigerian Constitution clearly spells out the separation of powers. The legislature is a key pillar of democracy, and any attempt to intimidate or disrupt its activities must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Yishawu said.
The politicians suggested that prominent and influential persons or groups might be behind the invasion, calling for a comprehensive inquiry to discover those involved.
They insisted that the Lagos Assembly would remain unified in safeguarding the legislature’s independence and ensuring that such measures did not jeopardise democratic processes throughout the state.
Amid rumours of her resignation, 36 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have passed a vote of confidence in Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
The motion, which was moved by Oladipo Ajomale, the lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 2, came during Monday’s plenary and saw unanimous support from all attending lawmakers.
This vote of confidence comes at a critical time, as speculation about Meranda’s potential resignation has been circulating.
The vote served to reaffirm the Assembly’s trust in her leadership amidst the growing political tension. Following the motion, the Assembly adjourned plenary indefinitely, signaling a temporary halt to legislative proceedings.
Meranda, who made history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, has faced ongoing challenges to her leadership since her appointment in January, following the removal of her predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Security (DSS), however, maintained that its officers were invited by the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, to forestall a potential security breach.
According to the DSS, the invitation was contained in a letter dated February 14, 2025, which indicated that the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, planned to resume office on February 18, 2025, thereby posing a security risk to the Assembly and its members.
The letter, which was attached to the DSS statement, read in part: “The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises.”
…Stop interfering in state matters, focus on bringing Nigeria out of mess — Atiku tells Tinubu
Meanwhile, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to cease interfering in state affairs and instead prioritise resolving Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
He took to social media to condemn the use of security forces in what he described as an internal legislative matter. He linked the incident to President Tinubu, urging him to focus on addressing Nigeria’s economic crisis rather than meddling in the state’s internal issues.
“The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned. This act must be fully investigated,” Atiku said.
He further criticised the involvement of security forces in the crisis, calling it an attack on democracy and a threat to the sanctity of Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
Atiku also expressed concern over the implications of such actions, stating that they undermine democracy and tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian electorate, particularly those in Lagos.
“It is bewildering that those who claim to have fought for democracy are now responsible for desecrating the state’s foremost legislative body,” he added.
The former Vice President reaffirmed that leadership crises within a democratic system are not unusual and should be resolved through internal mechanisms, without external interference.
