There was a moment of panic among staff members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday when the Acting Clerk, Mr. Ottun Babatunde, was rushed to the hospital shortly after returning from a visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) office.
Babatunde had been invited by the DSS for questioning related to a petition filed against him by the former and suspended Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko.
Babatunde, who had been temporarily displaced from his position, reportedly felt dizzy after his visit to the DSS office. The petition, filed by Onafeko, alleges Babatunde’s involvement in incitement, and the former Clerk has sought legal action to challenge Babatunde’s acting role.
Onafeko claims that the National Industrial Court in Lagos ruled to reinstate him as the Clerk of the House, while ordering Babatunde’s removal. Onafeko filed a suit seeking an interim injunction to prevent any recognition of Babatunde as the Clerk, pending further court proceedings.
A source familiar with the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the incident occurred around 1 PM. Babatunde, accompanied by a senior staff member, Mr. Seyi, was taken to the DSS office in Shangisha, where he was later released.
However, he complained of dizziness, prompting the rush to a nearby hospital. “He was accompanied by his lawyer, a Senior Advocate, and after he was released from DSS, he was taken to the hospital,” the source shared. “This situation has really added to the tension within the Assembly.”
Babatunde was reportedly discharged after a few hours and sent home to recover.
The ongoing leadership crisis has had a significant impact on the operations of the Assembly. According to sources, Onafeko has issued orders to banks to suspend all withdrawals and the release of funds, further paralyzing legislative activities.
“Onafeko’s return has severely affected the Assembly’s ability to function,” the source said. “The leadership crisis has left the institution in a chaotic state.”
The situation escalated earlier in February when Onafeko tried to return to his office, only to be blocked by Assembly staff. On January 13, 2025, he was removed from his position, alongside the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. However, Obasa was reinstated after political intervention by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.
When Onafeko returned to the Assembly, he was accompanied by his lawyer, two security personnel, DSS agents, and an unidentified individual.
The staff responded by booing and chanting against him. Security at the Assembly condemned the incident, with the Chief Security Officer issuing a statement accusing Onafeko of disregarding security protocols by attempting to break into the Clerk’s office.
The ongoing legal battle over the Clerk’s position continues to deepen the division within the Lagos Assembly, leaving the future of its leadership uncertain.
Vanguard
