The Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned the DSS for locking key offices and sealing the chamber, calling it an attack on legislative independence

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the Department of State Security (DSS) following the lockdown of key offices and the legislative chamber earlier today.

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The incident, which lawmakers describe as an infringement on the independence of the legislature, has sparked concerns over undue interference in democratic governance.

According to a statement released by Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, lawmakers and staff arrived at the Assembly complex to find the offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Acting Clerk locked by DSS operatives. Access to the legislative chamber was also restricted.

The DSS later justified its actions by releasing a letter dated 14 February 2025, titled “Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA”, written by the Acting Clerk of the House.

The Assembly, however, clarified that while requests for security support have been made in the past, DSS operatives were previously stationed at the main gate and had never interfered with legislative proceedings.

“For the avoidance of doubt, at no point did the letter requesting security assistance instruct the DSS to invade the legislative chamber, lock the Speaker’s office, or restrict access to the offices of the Deputy Speaker and Acting Clerk,” the statement read.

The House of Assembly views this development as a direct attack on the legislature’s autonomy. Lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Rt. Hon. Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, following the lawful removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.