By Naija247news
Ikeja, Jan. 30, 2025 – The Department of State Security (DSS) has released two detained Lagos State House of Assembly lawmakers after hours of interrogation regarding the ongoing speakership crisis in the state legislature.
The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Information, Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed their release to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
Detention Over Mace Controversy
The lawmakers, Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu, were detained on Thursday morning by DSS operatives in Lagos following allegations that they broke into a House store to retrieve the mace—the Assembly’s symbol of authority—allowing legislators to sit and impeach former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Obasa was removed by a majority vote on Jan. 13 and replaced with Mojisola Meranda in a dramatic power shift.
In response to the detention, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and other members of the Assembly stormed the DSS office in solidarity, demanding the release of their colleagues.
Legislative Autonomy & Due Process
Confirming their release, Ogundipe reiterated that the removal of Obasa was constitutional and followed the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act, which grants the Assembly autonomy to regulate its internal affairs.
“Today, members of the Lagos Assembly honored an invitation from the Lagos DSS Command in Shangisha, where we provided insights into the removal of the former Speaker.
We reaffirmed our commitment to constitutional governance and adherence to due process,” Ogundipe stated.
He emphasized that Sections 92 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution outline the legal process for electing and removing a Speaker, and the Assembly followed these provisions to the letter.
“It is public knowledge that legislative autonomy allows state assemblies to conduct their business freely within designated chambers,” he added.
DSS Commended for Professionalism
Ogundipe acknowledged the professionalism of the DSS, particularly the Lagos Command Director, for ensuring a smooth engagement with lawmakers.
“The invitation provided us the opportunity to present our account of events in a professional and comfortable environment,” he noted.
Warning Against Interference
The Lagos Assembly insists that any challenge to Obasa’s impeachment undermines the constitutional authority of the legislature.
Ogundipe urged all stakeholders, including the executive branch and the public, to respect the Assembly’s independence and avoid undue interference.
“The Assembly remains committed to serving Lagosians, upholding legislative integrity, and ensuring effective governance,” he concluded.
With the speakership crisis still unfolding, all eyes remain on the political power dynamics in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
