State Police must enjoy total autonomy from federal control, says Obasa, as Lagos Assembly backs police reform

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has demanded total autonomy for State Police from federal control, insisting that any constitutional provision that retains federal hegemony over state policing will defeat the essence of the reform.
Obasa’s assertion came on Tuesday at plenary as the House formally endorsed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, transmitted to State Houses of Assembly by the Clerk of the National Assembly for ratification in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Obasa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly leadership for their political will in advancing the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The Speaker, however, faulted the draft amendment for failing to resolve fundamental questions around operational control, warning that it still concentrates substantial powers at the centre.
He said, “Even though we are happy that we are having state police, our interests and positions have not been well taken care of in this alteration. You would realise that the major control still lies at the centre.
“There is a provision that says where there is a conflict between the State Assembly and National Assembly, the federal prevails. But it is still a step forward. I want to believe that there is hope in the future that will give total control to the state.”
Further, Speaker Obasa said, “While the proposed amendment represents a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement to ensure that future administrations can strengthen the provisions and grant states greater authority in managing their security systems.”
He noted that the long-standing aspiration for state police was gradually becoming a reality but stressed that true federalism requires states to have full authority in managing their security systems.
In a fresh addition to the security debate, Obasa advocated for the inclusion of parliamentary policing in the framework, describing it as vital to safeguarding lawmakers, protecting legislative institutions and ensuring the unhindered discharge of legislative duties.
According to him, protecting the legislature remains an essential prerequisite for strengthening democratic institutions, preserving the independence of the legislative arm, and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.
The Speaker also commended serving and former members of the Lagos Assembly for their commitment to legislative development.
Following a resolution by the House in support of the amendment, Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Adenike Oshinowo, to formally communicate the Assembly’s position to the National Assembly.
With the endorsement, Lagos joins the frontline of states pushing to meet the constitutional threshold required to make state policing a reality.