Lagos Assembly Leadership in Turmoil: Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s Potential Resignation Looms
There are growing indications that Mojisola Meranda, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, could step down from her role, but only if it happens in a plenary session. This shift in leadership follows the indefinite adjournment of the House on February 17, when 36 of the 40 lawmakers voted in favor of a motion expressing confidence in her leadership. However, under the influence of key figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), it was decided that Meranda would resign to allow Lagos West to produce the next Speaker.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Meranda is prepared to resign, but the process must adhere to the House’s procedural rules and occur during a plenary session. “She cannot simply step down without following due legislative process,” one source explained. “Until the Assembly reconvenes, the status quo remains unchanged.”
Speculation also suggests that Meranda might return to her previous role as Deputy Speaker once her resignation is finalized. Meanwhile, top APC figures, including former National Chairman Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and NNPC Board Chairman Pius Akinyelure, are playing a pivotal role in mediation efforts aimed at restoring peace within the House.
At the same time, former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s legal team confirmed that they have no intention of withdrawing their lawsuit challenging his removal from office. Obasa, ousted on January 13 while in the United States, insists that his removal was unconstitutional. “I still believe I am the Speaker until the proper legal process is followed,” Obasa stated upon his return to Nigeria on January 25. His lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), confirmed that the court hearing is set for February 28, and Obasa’s return to the Assembly is contingent on the outcome of the case. “It would be illegal for him to return until the court rules,” Fashanu emphasized.
Despite efforts to reconcile, sources indicate that the mediating committee has recommended that both Obasa and Meranda step down to allow another lawmaker from Lagos West to assume the Speakership. The panel also suggested that Obasa withdraw his legal suit against the Assembly, an effort to ensure stability within the House.
In a separate development, the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the detention of three Lagos Assembly workers— Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Adetu Adekunle, and Fatimoh Adetola—by the Department of State Services (DSS). They were detained in connection with an alleged altercation on February 17, during which Assembly workers reportedly clashed with security personnel. The DSS accused the workers of obstructing their officers and spreading false information online to incite unrest.
Justice Daniel Osiagor ordered the detainees to remain in custody pending their arraignment, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the case. In response, the Lagos chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) condemned the detention, calling it an abuse of power and a violation of human rights. PASAN Chairman Babatunde Ogunlana has demanded their immediate release, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene, citing concerns for the health and safety of the detained workers, particularly one who is asthmatic.
As the situation continues to unfold, political observers are closely monitoring the next developments in the Lagos State House of Assembly. With Lagos West expected to produce the next Speaker, eight lawmakers are reportedly being considered for the position, including Setonji David (Badagry 2), Temitope Adewale (Ifako-Ijaye 1), Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1), Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja 2), Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1), Wale Rauf Sulaimon (Mushin 2), Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 1), and Surajudeen Tijani (Ojo 2).
