House of Reps Under Fire: Understanding Lagos' Crisis
The Department of State Service broke into the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, purportedly at the clerk's request, causing havoc.
The MPs violently entered the sacred chamber during the subsequent fracas and proclaimed their support for Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
However, the All Progressives Congress's highest decision-making body in Lagos State, the Governance Advisory Council, has reiterated its intention to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the current situation in the state House of Assembly.
The new issue came after DSS officers militarized the assembly plant on Monday.
After former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa took steps to rejoin the House, the problem worsened.
The MPs violently entered the sacred chamber during the subsequent fracas and proclaimed their support for Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
However, the All Progressives Congress's highest decision-making body in Lagos State, the Governance Advisory Council, has reiterated its intention to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the current situation in the state House of Assembly.
The new issue came after DSS officers militarized the assembly plant on Monday.
After former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa took steps to rejoin the House, the problem worsened.
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Obasa, who was ousted by the majority of MPs on January 13, 2025, went to court last week to seek restitution, according to DoroTV.
The member argued that the lawmakers erred in dismissing Meranda during the Assembly's recess and brought the Assembly and the new Speaker before an Ikeja Lagos State High Court.
Through his attorney, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Obasa requested in a motion dated February 12, 2025, that the court grant an expedited hearing of the lawsuit.
When the House met and passed a motion to remove the troubled former speaker, he was on vacation in Atlanta, Georgia.
The member argued that the lawmakers erred in dismissing Meranda during the Assembly's recess and brought the Assembly and the new Speaker before an Ikeja Lagos State High Court.
Through his attorney, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Obasa requested in a motion dated February 12, 2025, that the court grant an expedited hearing of the lawsuit.
When the House met and passed a motion to remove the troubled former speaker, he was on vacation in Atlanta, Georgia.
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Obasa was rumored to be returning to the House. There was no space for a potential sitting, though, as the House postponed the session indefinitely during its plenary on Monday.
The Monday plenary, which was originally planned for 11 a.m., was postponed until around 12:51 p.m. because the Speaker's and other key House officers' offices were sealed by DSS agents.
After being stranded outside the building for around two hours, the politicians forced their way into the assembly room, which was likewise restricted.
Amid praising and a display of solidarity from roughly 36 politicians and the assembly, Meranda, who was surrounded by security personnel and assembly staffs, broke down in tears as she attempted to enter the floor.
The Monday plenary, which was originally planned for 11 a.m., was postponed until around 12:51 p.m. because the Speaker's and other key House officers' offices were sealed by DSS agents.
After being stranded outside the building for around two hours, the politicians forced their way into the assembly room, which was likewise restricted.
Amid praising and a display of solidarity from roughly 36 politicians and the assembly, Meranda, who was surrounded by security personnel and assembly staffs, broke down in tears as she attempted to enter the floor.
‘Assembly invited DSS’
A top DSS official told one of our correspondents that the assembly clerk wrote to the service to request more operatives to be stationed in the compound amid invasion claims.
"Contrary to reports by a section of the media that DSS officers stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, sealing offices of the Speaker and his deputy, it was the Assembly that invited security agents to maintain order," the source, who spoke in confidence because he was not allowed to speak on the subject, stated.
"Contrary to reports by a section of the media that DSS officers stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, sealing offices of the Speaker and his deputy, it was the Assembly that invited security agents to maintain order," the source, who spoke in confidence because he was not allowed to speak on the subject, stated.
In a letter to us, the assembly clerk explained that there might be a security risk to the assembly and its members. He asked that more officers be stationed there and that strict access be maintained both inside and outside the building.
Although it's unclear who or what course of action was given to the DSS agents, the officers' activities kept the meeting from starting on time.
Following rumors of Obasa's return, the assembly did, in fact, summon the operatives to keep the House in order, according to a letter from the Clerk of the House.
Although it's unclear who or what course of action was given to the DSS agents, the officers' activities kept the meeting from starting on time.
Following rumors of Obasa's return, the assembly did, in fact, summon the operatives to keep the House in order, according to a letter from the Clerk of the House.
According to the February 14, 2025, A. T. B. Ottun, the assembly's acting clerk, wrote to the DSS to ask for an increase in the number of agents present at the facility.
The DSS was directed to guarantee strict access to the facility from February 15 until further notice, per the letter with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323.
According to the letter, which was headlined "URGENT: ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR LSHA PREMISES," "I would like to draw your attention to an urgent issue that needs to be addressed right away.
There could be a security risk to the Lagos State House of Assembly and its members since the ousted Speaker intends to return to office on February 18, 2025.
The DSS was directed to guarantee strict access to the facility from February 15 until further notice, per the letter with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323.
According to the letter, which was headlined "URGENT: ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR LSHA PREMISES," "I would like to draw your attention to an urgent issue that needs to be addressed right away.
There could be a security risk to the Lagos State House of Assembly and its members since the ousted Speaker intends to return to office on February 18, 2025.
Given the circumstances, we respectfully ask that you take the required steps to strengthen the security of the Assembly premises starting on Sunday, February 16, 2025, by deploying more men and maintaining stringent access control both inside and outside the Assembly premises until further notice. We anticipate receiving your swift attention, sir. Thank you.
Workers, DSS clash
A physical altercation broke out between DSS personnel and some assembly workers when the lawmakers entered the House. The staff were taken aback by the presence of the operatives.
After a few minutes of fighting, the assembly workers fought the DSS officials, who were heavily armed and wearing black jackets, helmets, and face masks.
After a few minutes of fighting, the assembly workers fought the DSS officials, who were heavily armed and wearing black jackets, helmets, and face masks.
Meranda presided over the meeting, which started at 12:51 p.m., shortly after the event that caused tension in the House. Meranda presided over the seventh plenary since Obasa's dismissal, and the latter had not attended any of them.
Lawmakers condemn invasion
Following a motion under Personal Explanation by Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1), MPs denounced the DSS's invasion of the chamber during the session.
The assembly further mentioned that because of the increased stress in the chamber, Kazeem Osho (Mushin 2) had to be sent to the hospital for emergency care.
Joseph urged the president to step in and make sure the invasion's perpetrators were held accountable. Additionally, he insisted that the DSS Director-General be called to defend the agency's actions.
The assembly further mentioned that because of the increased stress in the chamber, Kazeem Osho (Mushin 2) had to be sent to the hospital for emergency care.
Joseph urged the president to step in and make sure the invasion's perpetrators were held accountable. Additionally, he insisted that the DSS Director-General be called to defend the agency's actions.
Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1), another politician, denounced the episode as a "rape of democracy."
The invasion was also denounced by Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2), who called the DSS's actions needless and unprofessional.
"This harassment is totally unjustified," he stated. I continue to shiver. To safeguard their interests, the people elected us. We have the right to choose a new leader if we believe the Speaker is not adequately representing the public or ourselves. Democracy is that. This does not excuse abuse of our legislative process or harassment.
Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu 1) demanded that the event be thoroughly investigated.
The invasion was also denounced by Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2), who called the DSS's actions needless and unprofessional.
"This harassment is totally unjustified," he stated. I continue to shiver. To safeguard their interests, the people elected us. We have the right to choose a new leader if we believe the Speaker is not adequately representing the public or ourselves. Democracy is that. This does not excuse abuse of our legislative process or harassment.
Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu 1) demanded that the event be thoroughly investigated.
This saddens me greatly. I never thought the Lagos Assembly would be overrun by armed guys. I want President Tinubu to see to it that justice is done and ask the DSS DG to look into this attack. This is a flagrant transgression of democratic ideals.
The invasion was also characterized by Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) as a breach of legislative procedures.
"What happened today is an anomaly. The purpose of the Assembly is to have discussions that benefit society, not to make coercive changes.
"We need to demand that the government explain if it has the authority to determine who should be in charge of our leadership. The incident of today is shameful," he declared.
Lawmakers and staff reiterated their support for the first female Speaker of the Assembly in spite of the pandemonium.
The invasion was also characterized by Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) as a breach of legislative procedures.
"What happened today is an anomaly. The purpose of the Assembly is to have discussions that benefit society, not to make coercive changes.
"We need to demand that the government explain if it has the authority to determine who should be in charge of our leadership. The incident of today is shameful," he declared.
Lawmakers and staff reiterated their support for the first female Speaker of the Assembly in spite of the pandemonium.
Following a vote of confidence by the MPs in Meranda's leadership, the Speaker postponed the plenary indefinitely.
DSS invite explained
The Lagos assembly explained why it invited the DSS to the House in a statement released late Monday by Kayode Ogundipe, the legislature's spokesperson.
It contended that while inviting the security agency, it did not request that the agents seal the House's top officers' offices.
Ogundipe said, "Lagos State House of Assembly personnel and members came at the Assembly complex earlier today (Monday) to find the Acting Clerk, Deputy Speaker, and Speaker's offices sealed and access restricted by DSS agents. In addition, the actual parliamentary chamber was closed.
It contended that while inviting the security agency, it did not request that the agents seal the House's top officers' offices.
Ogundipe said, "Lagos State House of Assembly personnel and members came at the Assembly complex earlier today (Monday) to find the Acting Clerk, Deputy Speaker, and Speaker's offices sealed and access restricted by DSS agents. In addition, the actual parliamentary chamber was closed.
The DSS made public a letter from the Acting Clerk of the House asking for security to be present at the Assembly compound, seemingly in an attempt to defend their actions.
We would like to make it clear that this is not the first time the House has asked the DSS for security assistance.
But it's crucial to note that in every prior case, DSS officers were positioned at the Assembly complex's main gate, making sure that unauthorized individuals were kept out.
To be clear, the letter asking for security support never gave the DSS instructions to enter the parliamentary chamber, lock the Speaker's office, restrict entry to the Acting Clerk's office, or lock the Deputy Speaker's office.
"There are significant worries about excessive meddling in legislative activities in light of today's occurrences. Armed members of the DSS deliberately prevented MPs from carrying out their constitutional duties, undermining the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
GAC distances self
We would like to make it clear that this is not the first time the House has asked the DSS for security assistance.
But it's crucial to note that in every prior case, DSS officers were positioned at the Assembly complex's main gate, making sure that unauthorized individuals were kept out.
To be clear, the letter asking for security support never gave the DSS instructions to enter the parliamentary chamber, lock the Speaker's office, restrict entry to the Acting Clerk's office, or lock the Deputy Speaker's office.
"There are significant worries about excessive meddling in legislative activities in light of today's occurrences. Armed members of the DSS deliberately prevented MPs from carrying out their constitutional duties, undermining the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
GAC distances self
In a phone discussion with our correspondent on Monday, GAC Chairman Chief Tajudeen Olusi stated that the events at the House were neither a party nor a GAC matter.
"Why don't you speak with people who are there and participating, such as members of the House of Assembly, law enforcement, and the DSS? I haven't received enough details. "What is taking place today is not from the GAC or the party," he stated.
Olusi responded, "The President is currently out of the country," when asked about the rumors that he was unable to manage the political situation in Lagos. Isn't that right? Has he come back? You know that we, the GAC, were in Abuja a while back to visit the President, but as you know, he had to leave for an urgent state matter. Therefore, the party has nothing to do with what transpired at the House today.
Olusi responded, "The President is currently out of the country," when asked about the rumors that he was unable to manage the political situation in Lagos. Isn't that right? Has he come back? You know that we, the GAC, were in Abuja a while back to visit the President, but as you know, he had to leave for an urgent state matter. Therefore, the party has nothing to do with what transpired at the House today.
"As a party or as GAC, we will speak when it is right. We will speak to the public and media when the moment is right, not because we don't want to. We had nothing to do with what's going on. The party representatives and I were not present, and we were not adequately briefed.
Chief Muraina Taiwo, a member of the GAC, stated that the assembly situation had escalated beyond the council's capacity to manage "until Tinubu intervenes."
"The situation is not yet clear," he stated. The members claim they were present to keep them from entering the residence after the acting clerk invited them to protect it from intruders, according to the DSS.
Chief Muraina Taiwo, a member of the GAC, stated that the assembly situation had escalated beyond the council's capacity to manage "until Tinubu intervenes."
"The situation is not yet clear," he stated. The members claim they were present to keep them from entering the residence after the acting clerk invited them to protect it from intruders, according to the DSS.
"The crisis can no longer be contained by the GAC's authority because if it could, the lawmakers would have carried out the GAC's directive."
He added that he didn't think Obasa was responsible for the crisis.
"Obasa wouldn't have gone to court if he was responsible for the invasion. He told DoroTV that since the case was already in court, he would let it finish its work.
Additionally, Muraina stated that he did not think Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was involved in the incident.
"You see less in politics the more you look. What will they say went wrong with the governor? There is nothing wrong with the governor's actions, in my opinion.
He added that he didn't think Obasa was responsible for the crisis.
"Obasa wouldn't have gone to court if he was responsible for the invasion. He told DoroTV that since the case was already in court, he would let it finish its work.
Additionally, Muraina stated that he did not think Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was involved in the incident.
"You see less in politics the more you look. What will they say went wrong with the governor? There is nothing wrong with the governor's actions, in my opinion.
However, they are stating those things in order to avoid claiming that the governor supports or finances them (the lawmakers).
"It's all politics; there's no proof he's backing them."
A governor's adviser who wished to remain anonymous did not answer our correspondent's questions.
"Obasa not involved"
Obasa was not responsible for the DSS invasion of the gathering, according to a source in the Obasa camp who talked to The PUNCH on Monday night.
"How would they connect it to Obasa when they (the lawmakers) invited the DSS?
The source only stated, "I think they invited the DSS after rumors circulated that Obasa was scheduled to return to the House on February 18."
"It's all politics; there's no proof he's backing them."
A governor's adviser who wished to remain anonymous did not answer our correspondent's questions.
"Obasa not involved"
Obasa was not responsible for the DSS invasion of the gathering, according to a source in the Obasa camp who talked to The PUNCH on Monday night.
"How would they connect it to Obasa when they (the lawmakers) invited the DSS?
The source only stated, "I think they invited the DSS after rumors circulated that Obasa was scheduled to return to the House on February 18."
Meranda disputes that she resigned.
Meranda, the speaker of the House, denied on Monday that she was leaving her position as head of the body.
According to social media rumors earlier Monday, Meranda was expected to step down owing to pressure as the assembly was rocked by the issue.
However, Segun Ajiboye, the Speaker's chief press secretary, called the rumor "a lie from the pit of hell" in an interview with The PUNCH.
"It is a lie straight out of hell," Ajiboye declared. Would she have returned to attend today's plenary if she had resigned?
Lagos CP replaced
The Police Service Commission named Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police in Lagos, replacing Lanre Ishola amid the continuing crisis.
Meranda, the speaker of the House, denied on Monday that she was leaving her position as head of the body.
According to social media rumors earlier Monday, Meranda was expected to step down owing to pressure as the assembly was rocked by the issue.
However, Segun Ajiboye, the Speaker's chief press secretary, called the rumor "a lie from the pit of hell" in an interview with The PUNCH.
"It is a lie straight out of hell," Ajiboye declared. Would she have returned to attend today's plenary if she had resigned?
Lagos CP replaced
The Police Service Commission named Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police in Lagos, replacing Lanre Ishola amid the continuing crisis.
Jimoh served from January 2017 until January 2019 as the Force spokesperson. Later, he served as the Commissioner of Police for the Ports Authority in Eastern Ports, the Deputy Commissioner of General Investigation, the Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration, and the Deputy Commissioner of Airport Police.
Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesperson for the PSC, said in a statement on Monday that Moshood Jimoh's appointment as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, was approved by the Police Service Commission today, Monday, February 17, 2025.
Former Force Public Relations Officer Jimoh, a native of Kwara State, went on to become Deputy Commissioner of Airport Police, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration, and Deputy Commissioner of General Investigation.
Prior to his appointment, CP Jimoh served as Eastern Ports' Commissioner of Police for the Ports Authority.
Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesperson for the PSC, said in a statement on Monday that Moshood Jimoh's appointment as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, was approved by the Police Service Commission today, Monday, February 17, 2025.
Former Force Public Relations Officer Jimoh, a native of Kwara State, went on to become Deputy Commissioner of Airport Police, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration, and Deputy Commissioner of General Investigation.
Prior to his appointment, CP Jimoh served as Eastern Ports' Commissioner of Police for the Ports Authority.
Details about Sanwo-Olu were redeployed
On Monday, DOROTV discovered that fresh DSS officers had taken the place of the ones assigned to Sanwo-Olu.
The security personnel were alleged to have overstayed their tenure as the governor's security aides, according to a source close to the governor who was aware of the development.
The state's political instability was cited as the reason for the shift.
Additionally, DOROTV learned that a replacement for the DSS director in Lagos might be imminent.
However, according to a DSS source, the only people redeployed were those who had overstayed in the governor's security details.
At the time of publication, DOROTV was unable to independently confirm if the redeployment was related to the state Assembly situation.
On Monday, DOROTV discovered that fresh DSS officers had taken the place of the ones assigned to Sanwo-Olu.
The security personnel were alleged to have overstayed their tenure as the governor's security aides, according to a source close to the governor who was aware of the development.
The state's political instability was cited as the reason for the shift.
Additionally, DOROTV learned that a replacement for the DSS director in Lagos might be imminent.
However, according to a DSS source, the only people redeployed were those who had overstayed in the governor's security details.
At the time of publication, DOROTV was unable to independently confirm if the redeployment was related to the state Assembly situation.
Atiku, Rhode-Vivour kick
The invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly was deemed "utterly reprehensible and stands condemned" by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He demanded a comprehensive and in-depth probe and accused the President of meddling in domestic affairs.
Atiku claimed in a post on his verified X handle that the invasion was a marker of humiliation for the Nigerian electorate, particularly the Lagos residents, and an assault on the integrity of democracy. Whatever the root cause of the Lagos State House of Assembly's leadership problem, it is a typical undercurrent in a democracy.
"It is unacceptable to invite armed security personnel to a parliament to resolve a dispute; this should be condemned and thoroughly investigated."
"Instead of meddling in state affairs, Tinubu should concentrate on pulling Nigeria out of the mess he put the nation in," Atiku stated.
In an interview with Channels, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a former Labour Party candidate for governor of Lagos State in 2023, denounced the DSS's assembly invasion.
"The state assembly must be loyal to its constituents and not to any godfather, so whoever is behind this should resolve this issue in a civilized manner," he stated.
"Instead of meddling in state affairs, Tinubu should concentrate on pulling Nigeria out of the mess he put the nation in," Atiku stated.
In an interview with Channels, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a former Labour Party candidate for governor of Lagos State in 2023, denounced the DSS's assembly invasion.
"The state assembly must be loyal to its constituents and not to any godfather, so whoever is behind this should resolve this issue in a civilized manner," he stated.
"The Lagos elites risked everything to fight and agitate for an independent legislative body as far back as 1861, because our people have always understood the importance of representative democracy," he wrote in a post on his X handle.
Unfortunately, the blatant devastation we saw today in our sacred chamber was not even attempted by the military.
"To identify and prosecute those responsible for this attempted coup, an open investigation must be conducted.
"No matter how powerful a person is, Lagos cannot be reduced to a Hobbesian state merely to serve their narrow, archaic, and self-serving interests," he continued.
Unfortunately, the blatant devastation we saw today in our sacred chamber was not even attempted by the military.
"To identify and prosecute those responsible for this attempted coup, an open investigation must be conducted.
"No matter how powerful a person is, Lagos cannot be reduced to a Hobbesian state merely to serve their narrow, archaic, and self-serving interests," he continued.
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