The Lagos State House of Assembly experienced a period of internal turmoil in February 2025, culminating in a security breach involving officials of the Department of State Services (DSS). The incident stemmed from a request for heightened security by the Assembly itself, a request that ultimately devolved into a physical altercation between Assembly staff and DSS operatives. This clash highlighted a significant breakdown in communication and coordination, leading to an embarrassing and potentially dangerous situation within the legislative chambers. The subsequent apologies issued by the involved Assembly workers underscored the gravity of the incident and the efforts made to mend the fractured relationship with the security agency.
The sequence of events began with the Assembly, under the direction of acting clerk Babatunde Ottun, formally requesting the DSS to provide security reinforcement at their premises. Citing potential security concerns, the Assembly’s letter, dated February 14, 2025, explicitly requested DSS presence from February 15 onwards. This proactive measure was presumably intended to maintain order and prevent any disruptions within the Assembly. However, the arrival of the DSS personnel on February 17, instead of providing the anticipated security bolstering, precipitated a confrontation. The clash, which involved several Assembly staff members, including three who were subsequently arrested, exposed a critical lapse in internal communication and control within the legislative body.
The DSS, relying on CCTV footage of the incident, swiftly apprehended three Assembly staff members involved in the altercation. The detainees included a public affairs officer, Ibrahim Olarenwaju, and two officers associated with the Sergeant-at-Arms, Adetola Oluwatosin and Adetu Adekunle. Charges, including assault against DSS officers, were filed against the individuals, setting the stage for potential legal proceedings. This decisive action by the DSS underscored the seriousness with which the agency viewed the assault on its personnel and the importance of upholding the authority of law enforcement officials.
Facing potential legal repercussions and the weight of their actions, the three arrested Assembly workers issued formal apologies to the DSS. In separate letters dated March 28, 2025, and addressed to DSS Director General Adeola Ajayi, Olarenwaju, Oluwatosin, and Adekunle expressed remorse for their involvement in the incident. The letters, routed through the State Director of Security, Lagos State Command, served as both an acknowledgment of their misconduct and a gesture of reconciliation towards the DSS. They explicitly acknowledged the disrespect shown to the DSS officers and pledged to maintain proper conduct in future interactions with security personnel.
The apologies from the individual Assembly workers followed an earlier expression of regret by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. In February, shortly after the incident, Speaker Obasa publicly apologized to both the DSS and the Nigerian Police Force for the attack on their officers. Characterizing the assault as “unfortunate,” Obasa’s statement signaled an awareness of the damage caused by the incident and a desire to restore amicable relations with the security agencies. This high-level apology further emphasized the gravity of the situation and the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the underlying issues that contributed to the confrontation.
The incident at the Lagos State House of Assembly highlights the potential for miscommunication and misinterpretation to escalate into physical confrontations, even within institutions designed to uphold order and process. The Assembly’s initial intention to enhance security by requesting DSS presence ironically resulted in a security breach and strained relations with the very agency meant to provide protection. The subsequent apologies from the involved individuals and the Speaker, along with the legal proceedings initiated by the DSS, underscore the need for clear communication protocols, proper training, and mutual respect between legislative bodies and law enforcement agencies. The incident serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of proactive communication and de-escalation strategies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
