Meranda’s Resignation, Influenced By Akande-Led Panel

Mojisola Meranda Steps Down as Lagos Assembly Speaker, Obasa Reinstated

After 49 days in office, Mojisola Meranda officially stepped down as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, paving the way for the return of Mudashiru Obasa. The leadership transition follows weeks of political mediation led by former governors Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, who were appointed by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the Assembly crisis that began on January 13, 2025.

Lagos Assembly Adjourns Indefinitely Amid Leadership Crisis

Political Mediation Leads to Leadership Change

The crisis erupted when Obasa was removed by over 30 lawmakers, leading to political instability within the House. In an effort to restore order, key figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Akande and Osoba, held multiple meetings with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and legislators at Marina, Lagos.

A GAC member, Muraina Taiwo, had earlier disclosed that mediators suggested a power-sharing arrangement where both Obasa and Meranda would step down to allow the emergence of a new Speaker from the Lagos West Senatorial District.

“The APC leaders, including Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, came to mediate. They will return to Abuja to brief our leader (Tinubu) on their findings. They suggested that both Obasa and Meranda step down, allowing a new Speaker to emerge. Some names were considered, but the final decision rests with our leader,” Taiwo explained.

Meranda, Other Assembly Leaders Resign

At the plenary session on Monday, Meranda announced her resignation, stating that her decision was aimed at protecting democracy and ensuring stability in the Assembly.

“As leaders, we must always prioritize the collective good over personal interests,” she said in her resignation speech, emphasizing that leadership sometimes requires selfless sacrifice.

Following Meranda’s exit, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and Chief Whip Okanlawon Sani also resigned from their positions, signaling a major shake-up in the Assembly’s leadership.

Legal Case and Political Agreements Behind the Scenes

Sources within the APC revealed that part of the mediation agreement involved Obasa withdrawing the lawsuit he filed against the Assembly over his removal. While the initial plan was for both Obasa and Meranda to step down, the eventual outcome saw Meranda leaving office while Obasa reclaimed the Speakership.

The reinstatement of Obasa marks a significant political shift in the Lagos State Assembly, reflecting the influence of APC’s top leadership in resolving internal conflicts. However, the long-term impact of this leadership change remains to be seen, as the political dynamics in the Assembly continue to evolve.