The recently elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has resigned just after seven weeks in office.
Mrs. Meranda, fondly called “Madam Speaker” by her supporters, represents Apapa Constituency I. She announced her resignation on Monday on the floor of the House and was promptly re-elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
This move paved the way for the reinstatement of Alhaji Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached speaker.
The lawmakers praised her leadership style and her efforts to bring peace to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Leadership Crisis Unfolds
Meranda’s resignation followed a reported meeting with some high-ranking members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to navigate the leadership crisis that has rocked the hallowed chambers.
It is believed that President Bola Tinubu backed Mr. Obasa’s return.
The leadership crisis in the Assembly became full-blown on January 13, 2025, when Mudashiru Obasa, representing Agege Constituency I, was removed as Lagos speaker by more than two-thirds of the 40-member house.
Mr. Obasa was said to be nursing governorship ambitions and made uncomplimentary remarks about the political leadership in the state.
His then-deputy, Meranda, was immediately elected the new Speaker, becoming the first female to lead the legislative body in the South-West state.
However, on January 25, 2025, Obasa vehemently rejected his removal and insisted that he remained the speaker until the right thing had been done. He criticized the militarization of the assembly complex during the impeachment process and claimed his removal took place in his absence when he was out of Nigeria.
Despite this, 36 lawmakers loyal to Meranda insisted that Obasa’s removal was final and that Meranda remained the speaker of the House.
On February 17, 2025, tempers flared at the Assembly Complex when security agents and some legislative workers clashed over the presence of the former in the hallowed chambers. Thirty-six lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in an emotional Meranda and adjourned sitting indefinitely.
On February 27, 2025, Obasa showed up at the Assembly Complex, escorted by armed security operatives. This was his first appearance in the Assembly since his removal on January 13, 2025.
He asserted his right to the speakership position despite protests by his colleagues who pledged loyalty to Meranda.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
