Lagos Assembly Crisis: Speaker Meranda Under Pressure to Step Down
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda, may be forced to step down in what appears to be a politically motivated power shift. Insiders suggest that David Setonji or Wale Rauf is being positioned to replace her, following high-level interventions by influential political figures.
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Prominent figures, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Chief Pius Akinyelure, have reportedly stepped in to mediate the leadership crisis.
Meranda made history as the first female Speaker of the House on January 13, following the controversial removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who was accused of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness. Obasa, however, has challenged his ousting in court, arguing that due process was not followed in his removal.
Over the weekend, key political stakeholders convened with principal officers and members of the Assembly to discuss the way forward, with a follow-up meeting expected soon. Speculations suggest that Meranda could be asked to return to her previous position as Deputy Speaker while a lawmaker from Lagos West—either Setonji (Badagry 2) or Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—takes over as Speaker.
The push for a change in leadership appears to be driven by regional power balancing. With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda both from Lagos Central, political strategists argue that Lagos West should be given a top position to maintain equilibrium. Notably, Obasa, who was removed, hails from Lagos West, fueling demands for the region to reclaim the speakership.
However, in a show of defiance, 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda on February 17, reinforcing their support for her leadership. Despite this, the House has adjourned indefinitely, leaving room for further negotiations and uncertainty.
The unfolding power tussle raises critical questions about the independence of the Lagos State Assembly and the influence of external political forces in legislative affairs. While some see Meranda’s potential removal as a necessary political compromise, others view it as a calculated attempt to undermine female leadership in a historically male-dominated arena.
As events continue to unfold, the fate of Speaker Meranda hangs in the balance, with the final decision likely to shape the political landscape of Lagos State in the coming months.
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Lagos Assembly Crisis: Speaker Meranda Under Pressure to Step Down