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Lagos Assembly insists Obasa’s removal legal as DSS grills lawmakers

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The Department of State Services on Thursday grilled members of the Lagos State House of Assembly in connection to a petition reportedly written by the former Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa.

According to reliable sources, more than half of the lawmakers were interrogated by the DSS for hours on Thursday before they were released in the evening.

The DSS investigation followed Obasa’s claims that his removal on January 13 over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement, was illegal.

A source in the DSS, who is not authorised to speak to the press, told The PUNCH that the lawmakers were invited for questioning.

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“They have been released, they were just invited for questioning based on the incidents that happened at the Assembly; they were allowed to go immediately after the questioning,” the officer said.

In a statement, the spokesperson for the Assembly, Ogundipe Olukayode, while reacting to their invitation, said the lawmakers visited the DSS to provide insights into the situation on the removal of the ex-Speaker.

He confirmed that all the members of the Assembly earlier detained had regained their freedom.

“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following the removal of the former Speaker. The decision was made in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empower the state Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without external interference.

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“The decision to remove the former Speaker was made through a democratic process, with the required majority as stipulated by law. Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution.”

“We commend the professionalism of the DSS office in their friendly invitation. We appreciate the Lagos DSS Command, especially the Director, for ensuring a smooth and respectful engagement. The process allowed us to give a clear recount of events in a comfortable and professional environment.”

Obasa, who had been a Speaker since 2015 and representing Agege constituency I, had insisted upon his return to Lagos from the United States that he was still the Speaker.

He urged the lawmakers to follow the “right process” in addressing his removal while maintaining that he had been unfairly targeted.

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Ooni of Ife Named Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa Ahead of Africa Day

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By Gloria Ikibah 

The African Union Simulation has officially named the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, as the Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa. 

This recognition comes ahead of the Africa Day celebration scheduled to take place in Abuja.

A delegation led by Ambassador Dr. Young Piero Omatseye, Africa Coordinator of the African Union Simulation, visited the Ooni at his palace in Ile-Ife on Friday, May 9, 2025, to present the honour and formally invite him to the upcoming event.

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“We are here today on behalf of youths and leaders across 54 African countries to inform His Majesty that Africa Day will be commemorated through a blend of cultural traditions, training expeditions, and youth empowerment initiatives. Ooni of Ife, being a natural symbol of tradition, unity, and visionary leadership, has been unanimously nominated as the Grand Patron of the traditional institution in Africa,” Ambassador Omatseye said.

He added that the event will bring together African Heads of State, ministers, ambassadors, global partners, and experts in agriculture, energy, economy, innovation, and technology, all focusing on youth empowerment.

Ambassador Omatseye also recalled the participation of Her Regal Majesty, Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, in a similar event at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa last year, highlighting her role in promoting unity and youth development across the continent.

In her response, Her Majesty expressed her appreciation for the honour, praising the African Union Simulation for recognising her husband’s work in uplifting young people.

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“My husband’s throne has become a platform for youth transformation across Africa. This prestigious nomination affirms the values he champions for the betterment of young Africans. We deeply appreciate this recognition,” she said.

The Ooni, in his remarks, thanked the delegation for the honour and promised his support.

“I thank the entire delegation and African youth who have traveled from across the continent to present this honour. I pray for the success of the Africa Day celebration and assure you of my support and presence, God willing,” he said.

The visit ended with the presentation of a plaque, officially confirming his role as Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa.

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Insecurity! Gunmen kill police inspector in highway ambush

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A police Inspector, Christian Gbaratee, was killed after gunmen ambushed a team of police officers on Tuesday along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road.

A counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this via his X handle on Thursday.

Quoting police sources, Makama stated that the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. while the officers were returning from a trip in Rivers State.

He also disclosed that the armed assailants, numbering five, were dressed in combat attire during the ambush.

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He wrote, “A team of officers, including ASP Victor Eze and Inspector Nwanochi Ndubuisi, were returning from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when they were intercepted by five armed assailants dressed in combat attire. The attack took place on a narrow road after a filling station along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road, Asa.

“During the confrontation, Inspector Christian Gbaratee was shot dead, while Inspector Ekoro Isong went missing. The gun stolen from Gbaratee during the attack, as well as the suspect who had been in custody, were taken by the assailants.”

He further disclosed that a prompt response by the police led to the recovery of a Toyota Corolla and other items, including expended ammunition, a laptop, and three travel bags.

“Additionally, Inspector Isong later surfaced unharmed. The body of the late Inspector Gbaratee has been deposited at the Euro Allied Medical Centre Mortuary for autopsy.

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“A search operation in collaboration with military personnel is ongoing to track down the attackers and recover the stolen firearm,” he added.

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Tinubu to establish child protection, development agency

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By Francesca Hangeior

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child, even as he said plans have been concluded to establish a Child Protection and Development Agency to coordinate all issues affecting Nigerian children in a unified and focused manner.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.

The event was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

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Tinubu said his administration is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child.

“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children.

“But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable — it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.

“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention.

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“We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households. But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability, Tinubu said.

He stated that the real hope lies in action — concrete, deliberate action.

“Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he said.

Tinubu added that every Nigerian child should grow and learn in a safe environment.

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“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not simply a policy objective; it is a moral obligation.

“We are investing in safe schools and embedding socio-emotional learning into our national curriculum.

“We are rolling out the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to ensure that even children without parental care are raised in love, safety, and stability,” he said.

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