The 49-day tenure of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly came to an end on Monday, as lawmakers reinstated Mudashiru Obasa to the position.
Meranda’s removal was influenced by the resolutions of a mediating panel led by former Osun and Ogun State Governors, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba. The panel was tasked with resolving the leadership crisis that had plagued the Assembly for nearly 50 days.
The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when over 30 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa while he was away in the United States. He was replaced by his deputy, Meranda, a move that he strongly opposed and even challenged in court.
Over a week ago, top figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Akande and Osoba, were appointed by President Bola Tinubu to mediate and find a lasting solution to the standoff.
During Monday’s plenary session, Meranda and other principal officers who were elected under her leadership, including Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and Chief Whip Okanlawon Sani, officially resigned.
Before her resignation, Meranda, Obasa, and other lawmakers had met with Lagos APC leaders, led by State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi. The state Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), was also present at the meeting, which was held outside the Assembly chamber.
In her resignation speech, Meranda said her decision was in the interest of democracy and to prevent further instability in the House.
“I have made a personal sacrifice towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she said.
Meranda, the first female Speaker in the history of the Assembly, emphasized that leadership requires selflessness and that stepping down was necessary to uphold the institution’s integrity.
“I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment,” she stated.
She reaffirmed her loyalty to the APC, adding, “The party is supreme.”
Following Meranda’s resignation, Obasa was sworn in again as Speaker. He assured Lagos residents that the Assembly would continue to enact laws for the state’s progress.
Obasa also expressed gratitude to Akande and Osoba for their role in resolving the crisis.
“We want to assure Lagosians that we are resolved and determined to serve their interest and protect their interest always,” he said.
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