Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the representative of Apapa Constituency 1, has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Her appointment on Monday followed the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Meranda, previously the deputy speaker, now holds the distinction of being the first female Speaker in the history of the Lagos legislature.
Allegations Against Obasa
The impeachment was spurred by a series of petitions accusing Obasa of financial misconduct, breach of trust, and abuse of office. The Progressive Youth Movement of Ikeja, Lagos State, filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that Obasa used proxy companies to embezzle funds and bypassed due process in procurement.
The petition, dated December 17, 2024, also claimed that the Finance Management Committee had not officially convened since the 10th Assembly’s inauguration, granting Obasa unchecked financial authority.
Further allegations by the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition accused the former Speaker of mismanaging ₦17 billion allocated for the construction of a gate at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Another report highlighted a ₦469 million contract awarded to Orgnitek Consult Limited for constructing the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, allegedly linked to Obasa’s fraudulent activities.
A New Era for Lagos Assembly
With Meranda’s emergence as Speaker, the Lagos State House of Assembly enters a new chapter, signaling a push for transparency and integrity within the legislature.