Lagos Power Play: 20 Lawmakers Seal Meranda’s Fate As Speaker

Twenty lawmakers from Lagos West have reportedly secured the continued tenure of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly despite ongoing leadership tensions.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting convened by the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday at Lagos House, Marina, the official residence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The session, chaired by GAC leader Pa Tajudeen Olusi, aimed to resolve the Assembly crisis following the January 13, 2025, removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Obasa, ousted by 32 out of 40 lawmakers, was accused of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. His removal and Meranda’s subsequent appointment sparked internal party divisions, with some GAC members pushing to reassign the Speakership to Lagos West for regional balance.

However, the proposal failed to gain traction, as 20 lawmakers from Lagos West stood firm behind Meranda, effectively securing her position. Sources revealed that Obasa still enjoys support from influential members of the Tinubu family and political caucus, who had been pressuring the GAC to act.