Shangisha, Lagos – The legislative mace, the symbol of authority in the Lagos State House of Assembly, became the center of controversy on Thursday as the Department of State Services (DSS) detained two lawmakers, Hon. Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu (Epe 2). Their arrests were prompted by allegations of an attempt to seize the mace by force amid the ongoing political crisis following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. This latest development has further intensified the turmoil within the state legislature.
Eyewitnesses at the Assembly complex in Alausa reported a tense atmosphere Thursday morning. Sources within the Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claim that Ogunkelu and Afinni led a group of lawmakers who entered the Clerk’s office in an attempt to retrieve the mace. The mace, a crucial instrument signifying the Speaker’s authority, has become a focal point in the ongoing power struggle.
The DSS action sparked a swift reaction. A group of approximately 20 lawmakers immediately mobilized and proceeded to the DSS office in Shangisha, demanding the immediate release of their colleagues. The lawmakers, visibly agitated, were denied access to the facility by security operatives, who cordoned off the area. The standoff outside the DSS office drew a crowd of onlookers, further amplifying the already charged atmosphere.
While Hon. Afinni was later released, reportedly due to health concerns, Hon. Ogunkelu remained in DSS custody as of Thursday evening. The circumstances surrounding Afinni’s release and the continued detention of Ogunkelu remain unclear, further fueling speculation and anxiety within the Assembly.
The crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly erupted on January 13th, while Hon. Obasa was in the United States. While he was abroad, the Assembly, citing allegations of gross misconduct, swiftly impeached him and installed Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker. The speed and manner of Obasa’s removal have been contested by his supporters, who claim the process was flawed.
Obasa returned to Lagos last Saturday, staging a defiant show of support and insisting that he remains the legitimate Speaker. His return and subsequent pronouncements have, however, been met with resistance from the majority of lawmakers who have maintained that his impeachment is final. The involvement of the DSS and the detention of the two lawmakers have now escalated the situation significantly, raising concerns about the future of the Assembly and the stability of the state’s legislative arm.
 detained two lawmakers, Hon. Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu (Epe 2).){kind=link}