Stakeholders condemn the arrest of Lagos lawmakers Ogunkelu and Afinni, calling it undemocratic and a misuse of law enforcement for political gain
[dropcap]A [/dropcap]coalition of concerned stakeholders and advocates for democratic governance has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of Lagos State lawmakers Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu (Sketel) and Hon. Lanre Afinni.
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The group described the police action as undemocratic, unjust, and an abuse of power aimed at intimidating elected representatives.
In a statement signed by Lasisi Robert on behalf of the Assembly of Lagos Youths, the stakeholders expressed outrage over what they termed “selective enforcement of the law.”
They questioned why law enforcement agencies prioritised the lawmakers’ arrest over the investigation of alleged financial misconduct linked to the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
The statement highlighted that the Lagos State House of Assembly functions as a collective body, and the Mace—its symbol of authority—belongs to all members.
According to the group, the removal of Obasa was a party decision rather than an individual action by Ogunkelu and Afinni.
They further argued that if law enforcement deemed the leadership change problematic, then fairness demanded that all members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) involved in the decision be questioned as well.
Calling the arrests “illegal, unconstitutional, and oppressive,” the stakeholders demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detained lawmakers.
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They also threatened lawful action, including a peaceful protest at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, if their demands were not met.
