Mojisola Meranda Resigns as Lagos Speaker, Re-Elected as Deputy Speaker Amid Leadership Crisis
Lagos, Nigeria – Mojisola Meranda has stepped down as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, just seven weeks after assuming the role. The lawmaker, who represents Apapa Constituency I, announced her resignation on Monday, despite being re-elected as the Deputy Speaker by her colleagues in a move that marks a significant twist in the ongoing leadership turmoil in the assembly.
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Meranda’s resignation comes after intense discussions with high-ranking members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. The meeting was reportedly aimed at resolving the leadership crisis that has shaken the legislature in recent months.
In a statement, lawmakers praised Meranda for her leadership, commending her for restoring peace within the assembly during her brief tenure as Speaker. They also highlighted her adherence to the party’s regulations and her ability to navigate the turbulent political environment, citing her humility and commitment to unity within the House.
Meranda, who made history as the first female to hold the Speaker position in Lagos, was thrust into the leadership role on January 13, 2025, following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker. Obasa, who represents Agege Constituency I, was ousted by a majority of the 40-member House over allegations of misconduct and other offenses. His removal followed an intense vote of no-confidence, which saw more than two-thirds of the lawmakers backing the move.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Obasa rejected his removal, maintaining that he was still the legitimate Speaker. Obasa’s claims centered around the process of his ouster, particularly highlighting his absence from the country at the time and the alleged militarization of the Assembly during the impeachment process.
Despite Obasa’s objections, Meranda’s supporters remained steadfast, with 36 lawmakers affirming her as the legitimate Speaker. The Assembly was left in turmoil, with security clashes between law enforcement and legislative workers following the dispute.
The situation escalated on February 17, 2025, when emotions ran high at the Assembly Complex, leading to the indefinite adjournment of legislative sittings after a vote of confidence in Meranda. Tensions remained palpable as political factions continued to align with their respective leaders.
On February 27, 2025, Obasa made a highly-publicized return to the Assembly, escorted by a contingent of heavily armed security personnel. His reappearance, his first since his removal, reignited the leadership debate, as he once again declared himself the Speaker. However, the majority of lawmakers reiterated their loyalty to Meranda, rejecting Obasa’s claims and reaffirming their commitment to the current leadership.
Meranda’s resignation as Speaker and her subsequent re-election as Deputy Speaker comes as a final attempt to navigate the ongoing crisis and stabilize the Assembly, despite the unresolved leadership dispute. The political drama surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly continues to unfold, with implications for both the APC and the broader political landscape in Lagos State.
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Mojisola Meranda Resigns as Lagos Speaker, Re-Elected as Deputy Speaker Amid Leadership Crisis