CHAOS IN LAGOS: DSS INVASION SPARKS TENSION AT STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, the Lagos State House of Assembly descended into chaos as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the premises. The invasion, reportedly authorized by the Assembly Clerk, led to heated confrontations, tears, and widespread condemnation from lawmakers.
The crisis unfolded when lawmakers, led by Speaker Mojisola Meranda, forcefully gained entry into the hallowed chamber to declare their support for her leadership. This development came amid rising tensions over attempts by ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim his position.

DSS INVOLVEMENT AND CLERK’S LETTER The Assembly Clerk, A. T. B. Ottun, had written to the DSS on February 14, 2025, requesting enhanced security at the Assembly complex due to concerns over Obasa’s potential return. The letter, titled “URGENT: ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR LSHA PREMISES,” cited a “potential security threat to the Assembly and its members” and called for strict access control.
However, confusion erupted when DSS operatives sealed off key offices, including those of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and the Acting Clerk, and restricted access to the legislative chamber. Assembly workers and lawmakers, shocked by the heavy presence of armed operatives clad in black jackets, helmets, and face masks, resisted the move, leading to tense confrontations.
MELEE IN THE CHAMBER The scheduled plenary, initially set for 11:00 a.m., was delayed until 12:51 p.m. Speaker Meranda, surrounded by security and assembly staff, was seen in tears as about 36 lawmakers and assembly workers rallied around her in solidarity. Despite the delays and heightened tensions, Meranda eventually presided over the seventh plenary since Obasa’s ousting.
LAWMAKERS SPEAK OUT During the plenary, multiple lawmakers condemned the DSS’s actions. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1), who raised a motion under Personal Explanation, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and hold those responsible accountable.

Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1) described the incident as a “rape of democracy,” while Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2) decried the DSS conduct as “unnecessary and unprofessional.” Oluwa added, “We were elected to represent the people. If we choose to elect a new leader, that is democracy. This does not justify harassment or assault on our legislative process.”
Other lawmakers, including Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu 1) and Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2), also expressed outrage, demanding thorough investigations and swift justice. Ogunleye said, “I never imagined a day when armed men would storm the Lagos Assembly. This is a blatant violation of democratic principles.”
ASSEMBLY CLARIFIES INVITATION TO DSS In a statement issued by Assembly spokesperson Kayode Ogundipe late Monday, the Assembly clarified its stance on the DSS presence.
“Earlier today, lawmakers and staff arrived to find key offices locked and the chamber sealed. While the Assembly did request security support from the DSS, at no point did we instruct them to invade the legislative chamber or lock offices,” the statement read. “The sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly was undermined today by actions that obstructed lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties.”
OBASA’S COURT ACTION AND POTENTIAL RETURN The crisis stemmed from Obasa’s removal by a majority of lawmakers on January 13, 2025, while he was on holiday in Atlanta, USA. He recently approached a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, challenging his ousting and seeking an accelerated hearing. Rumors of his possible return to the Assembly on February 18, 2025, fueled Monday’s security measures.
GOVERNANCE ADVISORY COUNCIL INTERVENES In response to the ongoing crisis, the Governance Advisory Council, the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, announced plans to meet with President Tinubu to address the situation.
CALLS FOR JUSTICE The lawmakers ended Monday’s session with a unanimous vote of confidence in Speaker Meranda’s leadership. Despite the indefinite adjournment of plenary, tensions remain high as the Assembly and Lagos residents await further developments.
With democracy and legislative integrity at stake, all eyes are now on President Tinubu and the DSS leadership to provide clarity and ensure justice is served in this unfolding political drama.