Two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have been allegedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the speakership crisis rocking the legislature.

The development followed the uneasiness in the Assembly over the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on January 13. He was replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, while out of the country.

It was gathered that the two lawmakers, Lanre Afinni and Sylvester Ogunkelu, are being interrogated by DSS operatives in Magodo for their role in the impeachment saga.

It was further learnt that Ogunkelu, representing Epe 2, and his Lagos Island Constituency 2 counterpart, Afinni, were being held over the allegation of destroying government properties in the House during Obasa’s removal. The duo was held on vandalisation of public property allegations levelled against them.
Ogunkelu was taken into police custody, while Afinni was granted bail on health grounds.

The pair are being investigated for allegedly damaging government property during the chaotic session that greeted Obasa’s ouster. On the fateful day, they reportedly forced their way into the chamber and damaged a door to retrieve the mace, a key symbol of authority.

Investigators have been questioning the lawmakers about their involvement in the incident. Obasa has since criticised his removal, claiming the process was unconstitutional.

A source claimed: “On the day of Obasa’s removal, the then Clerk of the House, Barrister Lekan Onafeko was not in the House, and his office was under lock and key.”

“Hon. Ogunkelu, aka Sketel, and Hon. Afinni physically led the charge to fetch the mace for the House sitting and had to destroy the door and some government properties to get hold of the symbol of authority.

“It is on that grounds that the DSS invited them. As we speak, Sketel is in detention, while Afinni was released due to his health challenges.”

Meanwhile, lawmakers have mobilised to the DSS office to protest the arrest of their colleagues. When contacted, the Deputy Director in charge of Operation, Gabriel Oluda, declined comments on the development.