DSS Invades Lagos Assembly, Triggering Political Storm and Calls for Tinubu’s Intervention
LAGOS — Chaos erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took over the legislative complex, allegedly acting on the orders of the assembly clerk. The incident heightened tensions amid an ongoing leadership tussle between Speaker Mojisola Meranda and ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The crisis began when lawmakers, who had been locked out of the hallowed chamber for over two hours, forcefully gained entry and reaffirmed their support for Meranda. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has since announced plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu to resolve the dispute.
Obasa’s Legal Battle and Alleged Return
The political turmoil follows Obasa’s removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025, by a majority vote while the House was in recess. Obasa, who was in Atlanta, United States, at the time, has since challenged the decision in court. On February 12, 2025, his legal team, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), filed a motion for an accelerated hearing. The embattled former Speaker is seeking reinstatement, arguing that his removal violated legislative procedures.
Speculation grew that Obasa would attempt to return to the House on Tuesday, February 18, prompting heightened security measures. However, Monday’s plenary session was indefinitely adjourned, leaving no room for further legislative activities.
DSS Presence and Legislative Chaos
The Monday plenary, scheduled for 11 a.m., was delayed until 12:51 p.m. after DSS operatives sealed the offices of the Speaker and other principal officers. Security operatives, clad in black jackets, helmets, and face masks, restricted access to the assembly chamber, leading to confrontations with assembly workers. Amid the tension, Speaker Meranda was seen in tears as lawmakers and staff rallied in support of her leadership.
Assembly’s Justification for DSS Presence
In response to allegations of an invasion, a DSS source revealed that the Assembly itself had invited the security agency. According to a letter dated February 14, 2025, from the Acting Clerk, A.T.B. Ottun, the Assembly requested increased DSS presence due to concerns over Obasa’s planned return. The letter, titled “URGENT: ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR LSHA PREMISES,” instructed the DSS to ensure strict access control from February 15 until further notice.
However, lawmakers condemned the heavy-handed approach. During plenary, Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1) called on President Tinubu to intervene, while Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1) described the DSS actions as a “rape of democracy.” Other lawmakers, including Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2) and Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu 1), demanded an investigation into the incident.
Political Fallout and Leadership Reactions
In a late Monday statement, Lagos Assembly spokesperson Kayode Ogundipe clarified that while the DSS was invited for security, its officers were not instructed to seal the offices of principal officers. He accused the DSS of overstepping its mandate and interfering in legislative affairs.
The GAC, through its Chairman, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, distanced itself from the crisis, stating that the party was not involved. Meanwhile, another GAC member, Chief Muraina Taiwo, suggested that only Tinubu’s intervention could resolve the conflict.
Obasa’s camp has denied involvement in the DSS operation, arguing that lawmakers themselves invited security operatives. Meanwhile, Speaker Meranda dismissed rumors of her resignation, describing them as “a lie from the pit of hell.”
Security Shake-Up Amid Crisis
As the crisis deepened, the Police Service Commission (PSC) announced the replacement of Lagos Commissioner of Police Lanre Ishola with Moshood Jimoh, a former Force spokesman. Additionally, DSS operatives attached to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were quietly reshuffled, though officials denied a direct link to the Assembly crisis.
National Reactions
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the DSS intervention, calling it “utterly reprehensible” and accusing President Tinubu of interfering in state matters. Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, also criticized the invasion, urging a civil resolution to the crisis.
“The Lagos Assembly must owe its loyalty to the people, not any godfather,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
As tensions persist, political analysts warn that the crisis could further destabilize governance in Lagos, with potential national implications if not resolved swiftly.
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