Shock And Panic As Acting Lagos Assembly Clerk Hospitalized Following DSS Summons

Babatunde, who had recently been displaced from his role as acting Clerk, reportedly began to feel dizzy after his questioning by the DSS regarding an incitement allegation filed against him by the former and suspended Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko.

Sources told Vanguard that the DSS summoned Babatunde following a petition from Onafeko, who accused him of inciting disorder within the Assembly. The tension is rooted in a recent National Industrial Court ruling, which allegedly nullified Babatunde’s appointment as acting Clerk—a position he held under the former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, now Deputy Speaker.

Concern Among Assembly Staff After Clerk’s Collapse

A reliable source from the Assembly, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained that Babatunde’s sudden illness caused significant concern among the legislative staff.

The source revealed, “Mr. Ottun was at the DSS office in Shangisha yesterday afternoon, accompanied by senior staff, Mr. Seyi. He was released late in the evening and asked to report the next day.”

The invitation was linked to a petition by Onafeko, accusing Babatunde of inciting staff against him and defying a court order related to his office, amidst the ongoing crisis.

The source added, “Today, he honored the invitation with his lawyer, a Senior Advocate. Around noon, news spread that Mr. Ottun had been rushed to the hospital from the DSS office after complaining of dizziness. This further saddened us, considering the ongoing leadership crisis that’s negatively affecting the staff and management of the Assembly.”

Assembly in Disarray Over Leadership Crisis

After several hours, Babatunde was discharged and taken home. The staff expressed concern over the escalating crisis, with Onafeko ordering banks to halt payments of assembly funds, leading to a standstill in operations.

The source lamented, “The running of the Assembly has come to a halt. Onafeko, who forcefully returned to office after his removal, has ordered banks to stop payments for running costs and utilities. It’s affecting us deeply as staff members.”

The atmosphere within the Assembly was described as tense, with staff describing the situation as a “shadow” of its former self.