The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed that the Department of State Security (DSS) has released some lawmakers who were detained after hours of interrogation over the speakership crisis in the state.
The chairman Ad Hoc Committee on Information, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed the development to newsmen in Lagos on Thursday.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1), Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2), Hon. Kehinde Joseph, Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu, were detained by DSS officials in the state for their alleged involvement in the removal of former Speaker of the assembly, Obasa.
They were allegedly detained for breaking into a House store where the mace was kept, enabling lawmakers to sit and impeach the former speaker and replacing him with Mojisola Meranda.
In solidarity, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and other members stormed the DSS office to secure their colleagues’ release.
Confirming the development, Ogundipe all detained lawmakers had now regained their freedom.
He said the Assembly reaffirmed that Obasa’s removal was legal and constitutional, following due process.
“Today, members of the Lagos Assembly honoured an invitation from the Lagos DSS Command in Shangisha. We provided insights into the removal of the ex-speaker”.
“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following his removal.“The decision followed the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empower the Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without interference.
“Sections 92 and 96 outline the process for electing and removing the Speaker, and we adhered to due process.
“It is public knowledge that legislative autonomy allows state assemblies to conduct their business freely within designated chambers,” he said.
Ogundipe insisted that the former speaker’s removal was democratic and met the required legal majority.
He said any challenge to this lawful action undermines the constitutional authority granted to the Assembly.
