In a shocking turn of events on Monday, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside Nigeria Police Force personnel, stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, sealing off the offices of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Assembly’s clerk......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
This action follows a leadership crisis rocking the Assembly, ignited by the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, over allegations of misconduct.
Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his removal, has maintained that he remains the legitimate Speaker.
However, the DSS’s recent intervention has raised serious questions about the independence of the Assembly and the role of security forces in the political affairs of the state.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, has condemned the DSS operation, calling it a “brazen assault” on democratic institutions.
Speaking after the incident, Rhodes-Vivour expressed his deep concern over the use of security forces to intimidate elected representatives and interfere with legislative functions.
He described the event as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s dark days under military rule, warning that such actions should have no place in a democratic society.
“Reports of armed DSS officials storming and sealing the office of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda and the alleged militarization of the Assembly complex at Alausa are deeply troubling.
“This brazen display of force at our state’s legislative chamber represents a dangerous assault on democratic institutions and the principle of separation of powers. The deployment of security forces to intimidate elected representatives and interfere with legislative functions is reminiscent of our dark days under military rule and has no place in a democratic society.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly is the people’s house—a symbol of our democratic values and aspirations. All well-meaning Lagosians must resist any attempt to undermine their independence through intimidation tactics.
“Therefore, I call for the immediate withdrawal of DSS operatives from the Assembly complex and demand a full public explanation of the legal basis for this action.
“Without respect for established democratic processes and the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly, we risk a shameful descent into anarchy,” Rhodes-Vivour stated.
Similarly, human rights activist Dr. Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink, voiced his concerns about the militarization of the Assembly complex.
He questioned the motives behind the operation. Awosanya emphasized the importance of safeguarding legislative independence, warning that security force interference in parliamentary proceedings could set a dangerous precedent for the future of democracy in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
“Who dares disrupt democracy? Armed DSS operatives storming the (@lshaofficial) State Assembly raises alarming questions about power, intimidation, and the sanctity of legislative independence.
“When security forces interrupt parliamentary proceedings in Lagos, we must ask: Who ordered this? And more critically – why?” Awosanya queried.
Obasa, last week took legal action to challenge his removal from office, insisting that due process was not followed.
He filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja against the Assembly and his successor, Meranda, arguing that his impeachment while the House was in recess was unconstitutional.
In a motion dated February 12, 2025, Obasa’s legal team, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), requested an expedited hearing of the case.
His legal action seeks several reliefs, including an order for the court to set a date for a swift hearing of the case and a directive that the defendants file their response within seven days.
He also requested that his own reply to any counter-affidavits be submitted within three days.
Obasa’s case is built on the interpretation of various constitutional provisions and the Lagos State House of Assembly’s Standing Orders.
“This action challenges the constitutionality of the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly to sit during recess without the Speaker reconvening the House or giving any other person powers to reconvene the House.
“Public interest requires the case to be heard and determined speedily and expeditiously so that legislative activities in the state are not stalled.
“The legality of the continued sitting of the 1st defendant under the present leadership in violation of the aforementioned laws and rules calls for an urgent determination.
“This Honourable Court is imbued with inherent powers to grant accelerated hearing and abridgment of time,” the motion read partly.
Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.