Obasa Apologises To DSS Over Assault On Operatives By Lagos Assembly Workers

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has issued an apology to security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), following the recent assault on DSS operatives at the Lagos Assembly premises.

Obasa, who was impeached as Speaker in January, made a dramatic return to the Assembly on Thursday, accompanied by police escorts, and declared his reinstatement to the office. This occurred amidst heightened tensions in the Assembly, which reached a peak on February 17, 2025, when viral videos emerged showing security personnel clashing with workers in the Assembly during a volatile standoff.

The altercation led to the arrest and arraignment of several Assembly officials involved in the assault on DSS operatives. Among those arrested were Olalekan Azeez, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Adekunle Ajayi, a legislative officer; and Ganiyu Hassan, an aide to a principal officer in the Assembly. They were charged with assault, obstruction of lawful duty, and disturbing public peace. After their arraignment, the court remanded the accused individuals at the Kirikiri Correctional Center pending further legal proceedings.

Following the incident, Obasa expressed deep regret and publicly apologized for the embarrassment caused to the DSS operatives. He acknowledged that the assault occurred despite the operatives being present at the request of the Assembly for additional security support.

“On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I hereby apologize to the security agencies involved, particularly the operatives of the DSS, for the embarrassment and assault they suffered, as seen in widely circulated videos,” Obasa stated. “We value your commitment and the work you do. You are the ones we rely on for protection within the assembly and across Lagos State. It is regrettable that DSS operatives, who were present upon our request for additional support, had to endure such an incident within our hallowed chambers.”

Obasa further reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to fostering cooperation with security agencies and expressed hope that the situation would not harm the long-standing relationship between the two parties. He also called for an amicable resolution to the matter, appealing on behalf of those charged in connection with the incident.

“The Lagos Assembly has always maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with security operatives. We sincerely hope this incident does not damage the trust we have built over the years. We also appeal on behalf of those who have been charged in connection with the incident and look forward to a peaceful settlement,” he concluded.