The ongoing political turmoil in Lagos State’s House of Assembly has taken a dramatic turn as two lawmakers are reportedly under interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS). This follows the controversial impeachment of the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on January 13, which has led to mounting tension within the Assembly.
Hon. Lanre Afinni, representing Lagos Island Constituency 2, and Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, the representative for Epe 2, are allegedly being held by DSS officials for their involvement in the chaotic events surrounding Obasa’s ousting. Sources claim that the two lawmakers were instrumental in the physical confrontation that occurred during the impeachment process.
According to an inside source who spoke to Tribune Online, the two legislators were directly involved in an incident that led to the destruction of government property within the Assembly. “On the day Obasa was removed, the Clerk of the House, Barrister Lekan Onafeko, was absent, and his office was locked. Hon. Ogunkelu and Hon. Afinni led the effort to retrieve the mace, the symbol of authority for the House, and in the process, they caused significant damage to government property,” the source revealed.
The alleged destruction included the smashing of doors and other official fixtures in a bid to access the mace, which is crucial for the legislative proceedings. The DSS has reportedly filed charges of vandalism against the two lawmakers in connection with the incident. While Ogunkelu, affectionately known as ‘Sketel,’ remains in DSS custody, Afinni has reportedly been released due to health concerns.
The developments have caused an uproar in the state capital, with several lawmakers rallying to the DSS office to protest the detention of their colleagues. “It’s unfair to detain them over a matter that concerns the Assembly. We are all part of the House, and this was a decision that affects all of us,” a member of the Assembly, who requested anonymity, commented.
The impeached Speaker, Hon. Obasa, has been a powerful figure in Lagos politics, and his removal has been met with resistance from certain factions within the Assembly. The timing of the impeachment, which was done in a dramatic fashion, has raised questions about the level of division within the political ranks.
In a statement issued earlier, the Lagos State House of Assembly confirmed that it was investigating the events that led to Obasa’s removal and the subsequent disturbance. However, the statement did not directly address the allegations of vandalism or the detention of the lawmakers.
Attempts to reach the Deputy Director in charge of operations at the DSS, Mr. Gabriel Oluda, for a comment on the matter were unsuccessful. Oluda declined to provide any information, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
The political crisis in Lagos has put a spotlight on the growing instability within the state’s political elite. Analysts have noted that the crisis, which stems from a power struggle within the Assembly, has been exacerbated by allegations of misconduct and the apparent breakdown of institutional order.
The use of physical force and the destruction of property during the speakership crisis has raised alarm bells, not only within the Assembly but also across the state. Many are questioning whether the actions taken by the lawmakers were an overstep of their authority or a reflection of deeper divisions in the political landscape.
“The state is witnessing a serious breakdown of order,” said political analyst Dr. Adedayo Olagoke. “This is no longer just about the removal of a speaker. It’s a signal that something much deeper is happening within the ruling party and the Assembly. If these issues are not addressed, it could spell trouble for governance in Lagos.”
The DSS’s decision to detain the lawmakers over the allegations of vandalism has sparked a range of reactions, with some praising the agency for taking a firm stance, while others criticize the move as politically motivated.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but for now, the political drama within the Lagos House of Assembly shows no signs of slowing down. The fate of Hon. Ogunkelu and Hon. Afinni hangs in the balance, and their colleagues in the Assembly are standing by, watching the next chapter of this high-stakes power struggle play out.
As tensions rise, the people of Lagos await the outcome of the investigation and what it will mean for the future of the state’s governance. With both sides of the political divide digging in their heels, it is clear that this crisis is far from over, and the consequences could reverberate well beyond the walls of the House of Assembly.
