The 49-day tenure of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly ended on Monday as lawmakers re-elected Mudashiru Obasa to the position.
The change in leadership followed the intervention of a mediating panel led by former governors Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba. The panel, acting under directives from President Bola Tinubu, sought to resolve the leadership crisis that had gripped the Assembly since Obasa’s removal on January 13, 2025.
Obasa, who was in the United States at the time of his removal, had challenged the decision in court. However, after weeks of deliberation and negotiations within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Meranda agreed to step down in the interest of party unity.
During the plenary session, other key figures appointed under Meranda’s leadership, including Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and Chief Whip Okanlawon Sani, also resigned. The decision was reached after a meeting between the lawmakers, APC state leadership, and Lagos Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN).
In her resignation speech, Meranda emphasized her commitment to democracy and stability, stating, “I am not a quitter, but I took this bold decision to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict.”
Obasa, after taking a fresh oath as Speaker, reassured Lagosians of the Assembly’s commitment to making laws that benefit the state. He acknowledged the role played by the Akande-led panel in resolving the crisis and urged lawmakers to work in harmony.
Meanwhile, security was heightened at the Assembly complex, with law enforcement agencies ensuring order before and after the plenary session.
