Tension has eased in Lagos following the release of 29 Lagos State House of Assembly members by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The legislators were detained at the DSS Magodo office after a petition was filed challenging the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Obasa was ousted on January 13th amid allegations of financial misconduct and other issues. Following his removal, Obasa reportedly petitioned the DSS, claiming the process was flawed.
This led the security agency to initially summon and detain two lawmakers, Hon. Olanrewaju Sulaiman Afinni and Hon. Sylvester Senu Ogunkelu, on Wednesday.
The situation escalated on Thursday when approximately 30 lawmakers visited the DSS office in a show of solidarity. Demanding the release of their colleagues, the lawmakers insisted that if any were to be detained, they should all be held.
A source indicated that one lawmaker was released on Wednesday evening due to health issues, while the other one remained in custody.
Former Speaker Obasa, the petitioner in the case, was not present at the DSS office during the lawmakers’ demonstration. The detained and protesting lawmakers have maintained that Obasa’s removal was a collective decision for which they all share responsibility.
Notably absent from the DSS premises were several lawmakers, including Hon. Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 1), Hon Olotu Emmanuel, (Ifako-Ijaiye 2) Hon Kasumu Adedamola (Ikeja 1), and Hon Olusegun Ege (Ojo 1).
The situation remains closely monitored as further developments are expected regarding the petition.