By Ali Elias
The Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed high drama on Monday as Speaker Mojisola Meranda presided over a tense plenary session following the controversial invasion of the legislative chambers by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Earlier in the day, DSS operatives had sealed the chamber and the office of the Speaker, fueling further discord in the ongoing leadership struggle within the Assembly. The political turbulence stems from the tussle between ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his successor, Meranda.
Eyewitnesses reported a physical confrontation between DSS operatives and legislative workers at the exit door of the chamber. In a show of defiance, lawmakers forced their way into the chamber at around 12:30 PM, backed by an outpouring of support from Assembly staff. The workers ultimately overpowered the DSS operatives, securing control of the entrance.
Security remains tight at the Assembly complex, with at least ten police vans stationed at the gate, further intensifying concerns over the stability of the legislative arm of government.
Commenting on the development, political analyst Dr. Adebayo Ogunleye remarked, “This incident underscores the fragile state of democracy in Nigeria. The use of security agencies in legislative disputes is a troubling trend that must be addressed urgently.”
Meanwhile, constitutional lawyer Barrister Funke Ajayi called for restraint, stating, “The rule of law must be upheld. Security operatives should not be instruments of political intimidation but should ensure peace and order.”
Observers worry that the crisis, if unresolved, could set a dangerous precedent for legislative independence in Nigeria. The nation now watches closely as events at the Lagos Assembly unfold.