On Monday, February 17 morning, the Lagos State House of Assembly workers were taken unawares by the presence of an unusual number of armed operative, of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police in the premises.
This caused panic among the workers who were apparently not aware of the motive.
By evening, a letter surfaced indicating that the House had indeed solicited the DSS to enhance security measures surrounding the Assembly complex ahead of February 18, 2025.
The letter’s content referenced allegations that the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, intended to reclaim his former position.
Responding, operatives from the DSS and the Nigeria Police assumed control of the legislative premises.
An ongoing leadership dispute within the Assembly prompted this action.
In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the acting Clerk of the House, Abubakar Ottun, it was cautioned that Obasa’s potential return could represent a security risk to both the Assembly and its members.
Consequently, the House requested the DSS to assign operatives from February 16 to implement stringent access control measures within and around the premises.
The letter read: “I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action.
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025 as the speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday 16th February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your Men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice,” the letter reads.