- The Department of State Services questioned several Lagos lawmakers regarding the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa
- Mudashiru Obasa, removed in January over misconduct allegations, insists his ousting was unconstitutional and politically motivated, prompting the DSS inquiry
- Lagos lawmakers reaffirmed the legitimacy of Obasa's removal, asserting it followed a democratic process in line with Nigeria's constitution and relevant laws
The Department of State Services (DSS) interrogated several members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, January 30, in connection with a petition filed by the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, regarding his removal from office earlier this month.
According to sources close to the investigation, more than half of the Assembly's lawmakers were questioned for several hours before being released in the evening.
The DSS inquiry followed Obasa’s claims that his removal on January 13 over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement, was unlawful.
A source within the DSS, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH that the lawmakers had been invited for questioning, not detained, and were free to go immediately after the process.
"They were just invited for questioning based on the incidents that happened at the Assembly," the source explained.
Obasa, who had served as Speaker since 2015 and represents the Agege I constituency, returned to Lagos from the United States to assert that his removal was unconstitutional. He argued that the process was flawed and unfairly targeted him.
In response, members of the Assembly visited the DSS to clarify their position on the matter.
Ogundipe Olukayode, the spokesperson for the Lagos State House of Assembly, issued a statement confirming that the lawmakers were questioned by the DSS but had regained their freedom.
He reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to upholding constitutional governance, stressing that the decision to remove Obasa was made in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act, which give the Assembly the authority to regulate its internal proceedings.
"We reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following the removal of the former Speaker," Olukayode said.
"The decision was made through a democratic process, with the required majority as stipulated by law. Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution."
The statement further commended the DSS for conducting the investigation in a professional and respectful manner, noting that the lawmakers were able to provide a clear account of the events leading to Obasa's removal in a comfortable and professional environment.
Obasa, Orji, 25 other ex-speakers of states’ houses of assembly that were impeached
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 26 ex-speakers of states’ houses of assembly who have experienced termination of their tenure.
The list includes Chinedum Orji in Abia State, Gboyega Aribisogan in Ekiti State, Paul Emeziem in Imo State, Isma’il Kamb in Kebbi State, Abok Ayuba in Plateau State, Frank Okiye in Edo State, and 20 others.
