DSS links presence at Lagos Assembly to Obasa’s alleged reinstatement plot

PlotThe Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified that its operatives were deployed to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday in response to a formal request from the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, A.T.B. Ottun.

The presence of heavily armed security personnel at the Assembly complex sparked widespread speculation, with some alleging that the federal government was attempting to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa, the recently impeached Speaker of the House.

However, in a statement released on Monday, the DSS dismissed these claims, emphasizing that its presence was based solely on a security request made by the Lagos Assembly leadership. The statement included a copy of the letter sent by the Acting Clerk to the Lagos State Director of the DSS, dated February 14, 2025.

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The letter, attached to the DSS statement, warned of an alleged plan by Obasa and his supporters to forcefully return to office on February 18, 2025—an action the clerk described as a “potential security threat” to the Assembly and its members.

The letter read in part: “The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, 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 observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”

In response, the DSS stated that its operatives were only present to “maintain order and prevent any potential security breach” at the legislative complex.

The incident has fueled political speculations, with some suggesting that the security deployment was orchestrated by the presidency to facilitate Obasa’s return as Speaker. The DSS, however, firmly refuted this claim, insisting that its intervention was based strictly on security intelligence and a formal request from the Lagos Assembly leadership.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, with observers watching closely to see if Obasa will indeed attempt a comeback despite his impeachment.