Lagos Assembly Officials Apologize for Assaulting DSS Officers
Three officials of the Lagos State House of Assembly—Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju, Adetola Fatimoh Oluwatosin, and Adetu Samshudeen Adekunle—have issued formal apologies for assaulting officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) during the recent leadership crisis in the legislative chamber.
Despite being officially invited to secure the Assembly premises amid the crisis, DSS operatives were attacked by the three Assembly staff members.
Incident and Apology
In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by Acting Clerk A.T.B. Ottun, the Lagos State House of Assembly had formally requested the DSS to enhance security at the facility, urging them to safeguard the legislative complex from February 15 until further notice (Ref: LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323).
However, upon their arrival, DSS personnel were assaulted, leading to the arrest of the three officials based on CCTV footage. Charges were later filed against them.
In response, the three Assembly staff members—Public Affairs Officer Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju and Sergeant-at-Arms officials Adetola Fatimoh Oluwatosin and Adetu Samshudeen Adekunle—submitted written apologies to DSS Director General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi through the State Director of Security, Lagos Command.
One of the apology letters read:
“I, Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju, hereby tender my unreserved apology for any act or omission that I might have caused your distinguished office (DSS) and personnel in the course of my duty at the hallowed chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa, on the 27th day of February, 2025.”
The officials also pledged to maintain good conduct and avoid any future actions that could undermine security personnel.
Media Retractions and Legal Concerns
Following the leadership crisis, several media outlets initially reported that DSS operatives had “invaded” the Lagos Assembly. However, after reviewing the facts, major news organizations, including AIT, Channels TV, The Punch, Blueprint, Tribune, and The Guardian, retracted their reports and issued apologies to the DSS.
It remains unclear whether Lagos Television (LTV), which was also asked to apologize, has complied. This has sparked concerns over potential legal action by the DSS against the state-owned broadcaster.