L agos, Nigeria – Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly were questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday following a petition reportedly filed by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Reliable sources confirmed that more than half of the lawmakers were detained for hours before being released in the evening. The interrogation stemmed from Obasa’s claims that his removal on January 13—citing misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement—was unlawful.
A DSS officer, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the lawmakers' invitation. “They have been released. They were just invited for questioning based on the incidents that happened at the Assembly, and they were allowed to go immediately after the questioning,” the source stated.
In response, Assembly spokesperson Ogundipe Olukayode clarified that the lawmakers voluntarily engaged with the DSS to provide insights into the removal process.
“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following the removal of the former Speaker. The decision was made in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empowers the state Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without external interference,” Olukayode said.
He emphasized that Obasa’s removal followed due process, as required by law. “Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution,” he added, commending the DSS for conducting a professional and respectful engagement.
Obasa, who has served as Speaker since 2015 and represents Agege Constituency I, maintains that his removal was unjust. Upon his return from the United States, he asserted that he remains the legitimate Speaker and urged lawmakers to follow the “right process” in addressing the dispute.
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