Lagos Assembly in Turmoil as Speaker Obasa Clashes with Mojisola Meranda Over N5 Billion SUV Purchase

Obasa Demands Return of Lawmakers’ 2025 Land Cruisers Amid Power Struggle

Lagos State House of Assembly is currently embroiled in a deepening crisis as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa wages a fierce battle with his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, over the disbursement of N5 billion for luxury vehicles. The conflict, which has sparked internal resistance among lawmakers, stems from Ms. Meranda’s authorization of funds to purchase 40 units of 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs just days after assuming the speakership in January.

The controversy follows a brief period when Obasa was ousted as speaker, only to be reinstated on March 3 under the directive of President Bola Tinubu. His return, however, was met with fresh discord as he demanded that Meranda return the N5 billion and reverse the vehicle purchases, arguing she had no legal right to authorize such a withdrawal.

Lagos APC Denies Claims Of Speaker Obasa’s Resignation Amid Assembly Crisis

A Bitter Political Battle Over Assembly Funds

According to sources familiar with the internal rift, Obasa had already laid plans before his removal to disburse N7 billion for 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which he intended to distribute among the 40 lawmakers, the house clerk, himself, and his two wives. However, Meranda’s decision to allocate N5 billion to purchase the latest Land Cruisers disrupted his strategy.

“Mr. Obasa is furious that Meranda didn’t even wait before signing off on the withdrawal,” a source revealed. “He had already structured his plan for purchasing vehicles before he was removed, and now he wants her to return the money immediately.”

Obasa’s pressure on Meranda to reverse the purchase has created tension within the House of Assembly, as lawmakers vehemently resist returning their new luxury SUVs in exchange for the older Toyota Fortuner models that Obasa initially planned to procure.

Lawmakers Revolt as Obasa Insists on SUV Return

The demand for vehicle restitution has sparked outrage among Assembly members, most of whom opposed Obasa’s reinstatement as speaker. They argue that the Land Cruiser SUVs are superior in quality and value compared to the Toyota Fortuners that Obasa initially proposed.

“Mr. Speaker is not letting this go anytime soon,” another insider disclosed. “But the lawmakers are also refusing to return their Land Cruisers because they don’t want to exchange them for cheaper 2020 Fortuner models.”

The growing standoff is further fueling divisions within the House, raising concerns about potential disruptions to legislative proceedings in the state. Despite pressure from Obasa, Meranda has yet to publicly respond to his demands, and the N5 billion transaction remains a contentious issue.

Political Fallout and APC’s Role in the Conflict

Meranda’s short-lived tenure as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, which lasted only 49 days, was abruptly cut short due to mounting pressure from APC leadership and President Tinubu, who reportedly intervened to ensure Obasa’s reinstatement.

Now, with the issue of the N5 billion SUV purchase igniting tensions within the House, questions are being raised about the governance of public funds and internal power struggles within the APC-led Assembly.

Despite repeated requests for comments, Obasa has remained silent on the matter. However, sources suggest that he is unlikely to relent, and the lawmakers’ refusal to comply with his demand could escalate the crisis further.

As this battle over luxury SUVs unfolds, it highlights deeper divisions within the Lagos political structure and raises concerns over financial accountability in the state legislature.