Mojisola Meranda Resigns as Lagos State Assembly Speaker Amid Political Turmoil

In a dramatic political shake-up, Mojisola Meranda has stepped down as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, marking a turning point in the state's legislative history. Her resignation, announced on March 3, 2025, follows intense pressure from top-ranking figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including President Bola Tinubu and Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi.

Meranda’s brief but eventful tenure was overshadowed by power struggles within the party, culminating in the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker who was ousted over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, a seasoned Nigerian politician, carved a name for herself in Lagos politics long before assuming the role of Speaker. Representing Apapa I Constituency, she was first elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 and steadily built a reputation for her decisive leadership and commitment to legislative reform.

Her appointment as the first female Speaker on January 13, 2025, was seen as a bold step toward political inclusivity and institutional transparency. This historic transition followed the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed amid accusations of financial mismanagement and gross misconduct.

Meranda’s leadership, though short-lived, was marked by reforms aimed at fostering accountability, as she sought to restore public trust in the Lagos legislative system. However, her position soon became a battleground for conflicting interests within the ruling party.

Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, a dominant force in Lagos politics, held the Speaker's position from June 2015 until January 2025. His tenure was characterized by a blend of political resilience and controversy, with growing concerns over his leadership style and financial dealings.

Allegations against Obasa included:

• Misappropriation of public funds
• Abuse of power and nepotism
• Poor fiscal transparency within the Assembly

These charges eventually led to his removal, paving the way for Meranda’s leadership. However, political maneuvering within the APC hierarchy soon set the stage for his dramatic comeback.

Despite her efforts to steer the Assembly with integrity, Meranda found herself cornered by internal party dynamics. Powerful figures within the APC, particularly those aligned with Obasa, lobbied aggressively for her resignation. The underlying motivation? A strategic power play to restore Obasa’s influence over legislative affairs in Lagos.

Reports indicate that APC leaders held a series of closed-door meetings, where Meranda was urged to "step aside for the party’s unity." Even as lawmakers loyal to her resisted, the overwhelming political pressure became insurmountable. In a move that signaled the power of party loyalty over legislative independence, she ultimately bowed out.

Obasa wasted no time reclaiming his position. On February 27, 2025, he stormed the Assembly complex, flanked by armed security personnel, and declared himself the rightful Speaker. This show of force sent shockwaves through the House, splitting lawmakers into rival factions—some backing his return, others condemning it as an undemocratic power grab.

The reinstatement of Obasa raises critical concerns:

• What precedent does this set for democratic governance in Lagos?
• How does party influence override legislative independence?
• What happens to the allegations that led to Obasa’s impeachment?

With Meranda out and Obasa back in power, Lagos’ political scene has entered a volatile phase, leaving many wondering about the future of transparency and accountability in governance.

This leadership reshuffle underscores the deep-rooted power struggles within the APC, where loyalty often trumps accountability. While Meranda’s rise symbolized a new era of reform, her ousting reveals the stubborn grip of old political structures that prioritize control over governance.

For many political observers, this episode is more than just an Assembly leadership change—it is a battle for the soul of Lagos politics, exposing the tension between party supremacy and legislative autonomy.

The abrupt shift in leadership has sparked mixed reactions among Lagos residents:

• Supporters of Meranda decry what they see as an unjust political coup, calling for stronger institutional protections against executive overreach.
• Obasa’s loyalists hail his return as a restoration of experience and stability in the Assembly.
• Civil rights groups have demanded an inquiry into the political interference that led to Meranda’s resignation.

As the dust settles, one question remains: Will Lagosians accept Obasa’s return, or will this trigger a deeper demand for accountability within the Assembly?

Mojisola Meranda’s resignation as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly is more than just a change in leadership—it is a symbol of the ongoing power struggles within Nigerian politics. Her tenure, albeit short, highlighted the challenges of navigating political influence while upholding legislative integrity.

With Mudashiru Obasa now back in control, Lagos’ political future remains uncertain. The events of the past weeks have set the stage for a renewed debate on governance, power, and the role of party politics in shaping legislative independence. Whether this crisis strengthens or weakens democratic institutions in Lagos will depend on the actions of lawmakers, party leaders, and, ultimately, the people of Lagos.

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