LAGOS ASSEMBLY UPDATE: LAGOS SPEAKER MOJISOLA MERANDA RESIGNS AFTER 49 DAYS IN OFFICE

LAGOS ASSEMBLY UPDATE: LAGOS SPEAKER MOJISOLA MERANDA RESIGNS AFTER 49 DAYS IN OFFICE

By: Olamilekan Adeyemi 

Mojisola Meranda has officially resigned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, bringing an end to her brief but turbulent leadership. Her resignation, announced on Monday, follows weeks of intense political maneuvering and pressure from within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other stakeholders in Lagos politics.

A Leadership Crisis Unfolds

The crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly began on January 13, 2025, when Mudashiru Obasa was impeached as Speaker over allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety. Obasa, who had held the position for nearly a decade, was removed by 32 out of the 40 Assembly members while he was reportedly out of the country.

In his place, Mojisola Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency 1, was sworn in as the first female Speaker in Lagos Assembly history. However, her tenure was marked by controversy, as Obasa and his allies continued to challenge the legitimacy of her leadership.

Pressure and Political Negotiations

Meranda’s resignation is believed to have been influenced by intense pressure from key figures within the APC, including President Bola Tinubu and the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). Reports indicate that negotiations had been ongoing for weeks, with Obasa’s reinstatement being a central demand.

On February 27, 2025, Obasa made a dramatic return to the Lagos Assembly complex, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, and declared himself Speaker, further deepening the crisis. The Assembly went into indefinite recess, worsening the leadership standoff.

The Resignation Announcement

During a plenary session on Monday, March 3, 2025, Meranda officially announced her resignation, thanking her colleagues for their support and emphasizing her commitment to peace and unity within the House. Lawmakers reportedly commended her leadership, even as the political crisis lingers.

Speaking to journalists after her resignation, Meranda said:

"My service as Speaker has been dedicated to the people of Lagos, and I have worked in the best interest of the House. However, I believe stepping aside at this time will pave the way for stability."

What Happens Next?

With Meranda stepping down, the Lagos Assembly must now decide on its next leader. It is widely expected that Mudashiru Obasa will be reinstated, given the backing he has received from party leaders.

The crisis has raised concerns about the state of governance in Lagos, with many calling for institutional reforms to prevent further political instability.

The resignation of Mojisola Meranda marks yet another chapter in Lagos' unfolding political drama. Whether this will bring an end to the crisis or spark further disputes remains to be seen. Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the Assembly’s next move as Lagos navigates this period of uncertainty.

Stay tuned for more updates.