Tension surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly’s recent speakership crisis reached a boiling point on Thursday as the Department of State Security (DSS) released two lawmakers who had been detained following their involvement in the dramatic removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
The two lawmakers, Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu, were detained earlier in the morning by DSS officials and questioned over their alleged role in the unlawful break-in of the Assembly’s store, which housed the legislative mace. This act of defiance, described by some as a direct challenge to the Speaker’s authority, was allegedly linked to the subsequent impeachment of Obasa on January 13.
The situation rapidly escalated as several other Assembly members, including Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai, mobilized to the DSS office in a show of solidarity. By the afternoon, the DSS had released the detained lawmakers after several hours of interrogation.
According to the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Information, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, the lawmakers’ release was confirmed after they had provided clarification on the events leading up to the dramatic turn of events in the Assembly. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ogundipe stated, “The detained lawmakers have now been released. We visited the DSS office in Shangisha, where we provided insights into the impeachment process and the removal of the former Speaker.”
The detained lawmakers’ actions had sparked a flurry of debates about the constitutional validity of the removal, with critics arguing that the methods used to force Obasa’s departure were controversial. The break-in, which allowed for the convening of a legislative session to impeach Obasa, was seen by some as a breach of protocol and law.
However, Ogundipe, in his statement, was adamant that the removal of the former Speaker had followed due process, citing Sections 92 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act. These sections, Ogundipe pointed out, grant the Lagos Assembly the power to regulate its internal affairs and remove its leadership in accordance with constitutional guidelines.
“It is important to reiterate that the removal of the former Speaker was entirely legal and in line with the provisions of the Constitution. The Assembly acted within its legal mandate to ensure proper governance in Lagos State,” Ogundipe affirmed.
While tensions simmered between the factions supporting the former Speaker and those in favor of his removal, Ogundipe praised the DSS for handling the situation with professionalism. “We commend the DSS for ensuring a smooth engagement and for giving us an opportunity to present our side of the story in a professional environment,” he said.
Despite the eventual release of the detained lawmakers, questions about the integrity of the impeachment process and whether it was conducted in the best interest of the public have continued to dominate the discourse. While the Lagos Assembly has publicly reaffirmed the legality of the speaker’s removal, political analysts caution that the episode is far from over.
Political analysts argue that the crisis in Lagos may have wider implications for the state’s governance and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. In a statement to NAN, a political analyst noted, “This incident highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Assembly, as well as the delicate balance of power between the executive, legislative, and security forces in Lagos State.”
As the state’s political drama unfolds, Ogundipe urged both lawmakers and the public to respect the constitutional authority of the Assembly and refrain from actions that may undermine the legislative process. “We call on all stakeholders, including the executive and the general public, to allow the legislative process to run its course. Interference, whether direct or indirect, only harms the interests of Lagosians,” Ogundipe said.
The release of the detained lawmakers has certainly brought temporary relief to the House of Assembly. However, questions remain about how the crisis will ultimately be resolved, especially with the potential for legal challenges and political repercussions.
While the Lagos Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, the unfolding drama signals that the state’s political waters are far from calm. As the fight for control of the Assembly intensifies, all eyes will be on the upcoming legislative sessions to see how this crisis evolves and whether the legalities of the impeachment will be challenged in court.
