By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lagos, Nigeria – February 17, 2025
Tensions flared at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the legislative complex and sealed the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda and her deputy. The move, which comes amid ongoing political uncertainty in the state legislature, triggered an uproar among Assembly staff and lawmakers, who resisted the security operatives in a dramatic standoff.
Videos circulating on social media captured members of staff and some lawmakers chanting in defiance, shouting “Madam Speaker” and calling the DSS “Ole” (a Yoruba word for “thief”), and “You can’t come into the chamber; this is democracy.” The protest reflected growing unrest within the Assembly following the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa last month.
Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, after 32 out of the 40 Assembly members voted for his impeachment over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office. His removal, however, has been met with resistance from his loyalists, some of whom have challenged the legality of the impeachment in court. Political observers believe Monday’s DSS intervention may be connected to efforts to overturn the leadership change.
Following the commotion, lawmakers convened an emergency session to address the crisis. Speaker Mojisola Meranda condemned the DSS action, describing it as “an attack on democracy” and a “direct affront to the independence of the legislature.” She urged the Lagos State government and security agencies to respect due process and allow the Assembly to function without intimidation.
“This House represents the people of Lagos, and we will not be cowed into submission by external forces,” Meranda said during the session.
The DSS has yet to issue an official statement explaining the reason for the operation, but sources suggest it may be linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Speaker’s appointment. The Lagos State Government has also remained silent on the development, fueling further speculation about political interference.
As the standoff continues, analysts warn that the escalating crisis could destabilize legislative activities in the state. Many citizens and civil society organizations have called for restraint and adherence to constitutional processes to resolve the leadership dispute peacefully.
With tensions still high, the situation at the Lagos Assembly remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
