In a dramatic turn of events, three officials from the Lagos State House of Assembly have issued public apologies for assaulting officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) during the recent leadership crisis that shook the legislative chamber.
The incident, which took place amidst heightened security concerns, has sparked widespread attention and raised questions about the role of security forces in state politics.
The three Assembly staffers—Public Affairs Officer Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju, and Sergeant-at-Arms officials Adetola Fatimoh Oluwatosin and Adetu Samshudeen Adekunle—were involved in an altercation with DSS operatives, who had been officially invited to safeguard the Assembly premises during the ongoing political turmoil.
Despite being called in for security purposes, the officers were reportedly attacked by the Assembly staff as they arrived at the complex.
This unsettling incident comes after the Lagos State House of Assembly sent a formal request to the DSS on February 14, 2025, asking the agency to bolster security at the Assembly complex.
The request, referenced as LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, called for enhanced protection from February 15 “until further notice.” However, the situation escalated when, instead of ensuring order, the staff members physically confronted the security personnel.
The altercation was captured on CCTV, which led to the arrest of the individuals involved. Following their arrest, the three officials submitted written apologies to DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi through the State Director of Security, Lagos State Command, expressing regret for their actions.
One of the apologies, signed by Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju, reads, “I hereby tender my unreserved apology for any act or omission that I might have caused your distinguished office (DSS) and personnel during my duty at the hallowed chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa, on the 27th day of February, 2025.” The staff members vowed to uphold professional conduct and avoid any future actions that could undermine security forces.
The fallout from the incident has reverberated across the media landscape, as several prominent news outlets initially reported that DSS operatives had “invaded” the Assembly. However, following a review of the facts, major organizations such as AIT, Channels TV, The Punch, Blueprint, Tribune, and The Guardian have issued formal retractions and public apologies to the DSS for their inaccurate reporting.
The correction of these reports highlights the importance of responsible journalism, particularly when dealing with sensitive political matters.
In a twist, questions remain regarding the response of Lagos Television (LTV), which was also asked to apologize for its portrayal of the event. Speculation is growing about whether the state-run broadcaster will comply, with some analysts predicting potential legal action by the DSS if an apology is not forthcoming.
This episode has not only exposed tensions within the Lagos State House of Assembly but also underscored the fragile relationship between security forces and political institutions during times of instability.
As the fallout continues, the eyes of the public and media remain focused on how the situation will evolve, especially concerning potential legal ramifications for those involved.
