Power Struggle: DSS Locks Down Lagos Assembly in Speakership Clash

Pandemonium erupted early Monday as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, sealing the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House.

A viral video circulating online captured DSS operatives—clad in black jackets and helmets—engaging in a heated scuffle with assembly workers at the chamber’s entrance, disrupting legislative proceedings. The security agents also barricaded the Lagos Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, frisking visitors and restricting access.

The DSS invasion is believed to be linked to the ongoing power tussle between embattled former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was impeached on January 13 by 32 out of 40 assembly members while he was in the United States.

Following his impeachment, Obasa has taken legal action, arguing that his removal was unlawful. He has filed a motion at the Ikeja High Court, seeking reinstatement and claiming he was denied fair hearing. His lawyers, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), are pushing for an expedited hearing, challenging the constitutionality of the impeachment proceedings held during recess.

The crisis has also caused a rift within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), with members divided over Obasa’s removal. As tensions rise, all eyes are on the legal battle that could shape the future of Lagos Assembly leadership.