Huhuonline.com has learnt that three lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have been detained over issues resulting from the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The police also reportedly summoned a fourth lawmaker.
Gbolahan Yishawu, Sylvester Ogunkelu and Lanre Afinni were detained according to information from the Concerned Citizens of Lagos, a socio-political organisation.
Though sources said the duo had been released, the group called the arrest a systematic attempt to undermine democracy in the state.
The strongly-worded statement e-signed by Omoba Murphy Ajibola on behalf of the group, decried the recent developments, highlighting the detention of Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester (Sketel) and the arrest of Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu.
The statement noted that Lanre Affinih was invited for questioning and later released on health grounds, while Hon. Temitope Adewale (Jah) has also been summoned.
“These actions appear to be part of a broader strategy to pressure the Assembly into overturning the removal of former Speaker Hon. Muda Obasa,” the group said.
The organisation claimed that powerful individuals orchestrated the arrests to influence legislative decisions. It warned that such interference threatens the autonomy of the Legislature and the democratic process itself.
“This orchestrated campaign against elected representatives is not just an attack on individual lawmakers; it is an assault on democracy.
“The Legislature exists to check executive power and represent the people. When lawmakers are intimidated or arrested under questionable circumstances, democracy is at risk,” the group said.
It warned that if Lagos, which is Nigeria’s economic and political nerve centre, succumbs to such alleged power plays, it could set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democracy.
It called for urgent intervention demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detained lawmakers.
“As citizens of Lagos and Nigeria, we must stand united against these threats to our democracy. A stitch in time saves nine; let us act now to safeguard our democratic values before it is too late,” the statement read.