The Lagos State House of Assembly has set the record straight regarding the presence of security operatives at its complex, stating that it officially requested their deployment to prevent a potential security breach. This clarification comes after a wave of criticism, particularly from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who accused President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating the invasion to influence the leadership crisis in the House.
In response to the controversy, the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, A. Ottun, emphasized that security agencies were invited solely to maintain order and prevent any unlawful attempts to reinstate impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. According to Ottun, the assembly took this precautionary measure after receiving credible intelligence that a group was planning to forcibly reinstall Obasa as Speaker on February 18, 2025.
A letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk was sent to the Lagos Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, alerting them to the possible threat. The document, which carried reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, explicitly requested enhanced security measures at the assembly complex to prevent disruptions.
The letter, titled “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,” stated:
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.”
The Assembly management, therefore, urged security agencies to fortify the premises from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing personnel presence and enforcing strict access control to ensure stability.
While the move was meant to be preventive, it led to an uproar when security operatives were seen at the Assembly premises on Monday, February 17, 2025, with some reports claiming they sealed off the Speaker’s office. However, the Assembly insists that their request was purely for security reinforcement, not to facilitate any form of forceful takeover.
This development comes amid heightened political tension in Lagos, with the leadership tussle between impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, still unresolved. The presence of security forces sparked speculations of interference from the presidency, with opposition voices accusing Tinubu’s administration of attempting to manipulate the state’s legislature.
However, with the latest clarification, the Lagos Assembly has sought to dispel the rumors, affirming that it remains focused on maintaining order and preventing any actions that could destabilize governance in the state. The big question remains: Will this explanation be enough to douse the political tension, or is the crisis far from over?
