Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have maintained that the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker was carried out in full compliance with constitutional provisions and legislative procedures.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode on behalf of the House, the lawmakers emphasized that their actions adhered strictly to due process. The statement followed their appearance at the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), where they addressed concerns surrounding the leadership change.
As earlier reported by Naija News, the DSS had summoned two lawmakers—Lanre Afinni and Sylvester Ogunkelu—over their alleged roles in the leadership tussle. In a show of solidarity, other members of the Assembly accompanied them to the DSS office in Lagos.
The invitation came in the wake of the controversy surrounding Obasa’s removal on January 13. However, following their engagement with the security agency, the legislators reaffirmed that their decision aligned with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act.
Referencing Sections 92 and 96 of the Constitution, which outline the procedures for electing and removing a Speaker, the lawmakers stressed that every step taken was lawful.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an independent arm of government, exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of the people of Lagos. Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution,” the statement read.
The Assembly members also commended the DSS for its professionalism and the respectful manner in which the matter was handled. They confirmed that all detained lawmakers had since been released.
Reiterating their commitment to legislative responsibilities, the lawmakers urged all stakeholders, including the executive and the public, to uphold the integrity of the legislative process and refrain from undue interference in the Assembly’s affairs.
