The Department of State Services (DSS) has justified its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating that it was mobilized in response to a request from lawmakers to prevent a possible forceful reinstatement of the impeached Speaker by unauthorized groups.
In light of escalating tensions surrounding the security takeover of the Assembly, which included the sealing of offices belonging to the Speaker and his Deputy, the DSS clarified that its deployment was not an invasion but a necessary measure to uphold order and safety at the legislative complex.
In a statement released on Monday, the DSS explained that the request for security reinforcements was made via an official letter from the Lagos State House of Assembly, dated February 14, 2025. The letter specifically called for heightened security due to credible intelligence reports suggesting an attempt to reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025, which could compromise the safety of Assembly members and disrupt legislative activities.
The DSS statement included an excerpt from the letter signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, which was addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos and other security agencies. The letter read:
“The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February, 2025, by increasing the presence of your personnel and implementing strict access control within and around the Assembly premises until further notice.”
The DSS reiterated that its presence at the Assembly was strictly in response to the lawmakers’ request and was aimed at preventing any breach of peace or unlawful takeover. It urged the public to disregard any speculation suggesting that the agency had forcefully occupied the premises.
Meanwhile, the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has taken legal action challenging his removal. On February 12, 2025, he filed a lawsuit contesting the legitimacy of his impeachment, which took place on January 13, 2025. Obasa claims that his impeachment was unconstitutional, as it was conducted during the Assembly’s recess without proper authorization.
The lawsuit lists the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and the Lagos State House of Assembly as defendants. Obasa is seeking immediate reinstatement, asserting that due process was not followed in his removal. As of now, no date has been set for the hearing.
The situation remains tense, with security operatives maintaining their presence at the Assembly complex as legal and political developments unfold.
