The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed that lawmakers detained by the State Security Service (SSS), also known as the DSS, have been released following hours of interrogation related to the ongoing speakership crisis.
Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Information, disclosed the development on Thursday, January 30. Earlier in the day, lawmakers Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu were detained by SSS officials over allegations connected to the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The former speaker was ousted on January 13 by a majority of the Assembly members, who subsequently elected Mojisola Meranda as his replacement. Afinni and Ogunkelu were reportedly detained for allegedly breaking into a House store to access the mace, which allowed the Assembly to convene and remove Obasa.
In a show of solidarity, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and other lawmakers went to the SSS office to secure the release of their colleagues.
Ogundipe later confirmed the release of the detained lawmakers, emphasizing that Obasa’s removal was lawful and adhered to constitutional requirements.
“Today, members of the Lagos Assembly honoured an invitation from the Lagos DSS Command in Shangisha. We provided insights into the removal of the ex-speaker,” Ogundipe stated.
“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following his removal. The decision followed the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empowered the Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without interference. Sections 92 and 96 outline the process for electing and removing the speaker, and we adhered to due process.”
Ogundipe insisted that the removal of the former speaker was democratic and achieved the required legal majority, adding that any challenge to the action undermines the constitutional authority granted to the Assembly. He emphasized that the Assembly acted in the best interest of Lagos residents.
He also commended the professionalism of the SSS, particularly the Lagos Command Director, for facilitating what he described as a smooth and respectful engagement. “The invitation allowed them to present their account of events in a professional and comfortable environment,” Ogundipe said.
He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to serving the people of Lagos through effective governance and urged all stakeholders, including the executive branch and the public, to respect legislative autonomy and avoid undue interference in the Assembly’s proceedings.