By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia ReporterÂ
A MAJOR shake-up has rocked the Lagos State House of Assembly as Mudashiru Obasa reclaimed his position as Speaker, following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker in the state’s history.
The latest development comes after 49 days of intense political wrangling, leadership disputes, and a series of high-profile resignations that have reshaped the Assembly’s hierarchy.
Meranda Resigns and Returns as Deputy Â
Legislative tensions reached a boiling point on Monday when Meranda announced her resignation from the Speakership, paving the way for Obasa’s reinstatement.
In an unexpected twist, Meranda was immediately elected as Deputy Speaker, ensuring her continued influence in the Assembly’s leadership.
The transition was sealed at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja, after extensive deliberations among lawmakers and political stakeholders.
Obasa, who previously held the Speaker position before being removed in a controversial impeachment on January 13, 2025, returned to the role with strong backing from party leadership.
Addressing the Assembly, he pledged to continue legislative policies aimed at benefiting Lagosians and fostering political stability.
The latest restructuring also saw Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai step down from his role, citing the need for unity and stability within the House.
Fatai was subsequently appointed as the new Chief Whip of the Assembly.
Similarly, Chief Whip Setonji David, representing Badagry Constituency II, resigned from his position and was reassigned as Deputy Chief Whip. Okanlawon Sanni, a member representing Kosofe Constituency I, also stepped down as Deputy Chief Whip, further reshuffling the power dynamics within the House.
Meranda’s resignation reportedly followed intense closed-door meetings with top-ranking members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The negotiations aimed to resolve the deep-seated leadership crisis that had plagued the Assembly for nearly two months.
Lawmakers loyal to Obasa and Meranda had been locked in a power struggle, with divisions threatening legislative activities.
Obasa’s ImpeachmentÂ
The leadership crisis began on January 13, 2025, when a coalition of lawmakers, forming more than two-thirds of the 40-member House, voted to remove Obasa over allegations of misconduct and abuse of office.
His impeachment, which took place in his absence while he was out of Nigeria, was met with strong resistance from his supporters, who argued that due process had not been followed.
Despite being ousted, Obasa refused to accept his removal, declaring on January 25, 2025, that he remained Speaker until the ‘right thing’ was done.
He also criticised the military presence at the Assembly Complex during his impeachment, describing it as an attempt to intimidate lawmakers.
Lagos Assembly’s Turbulent WeeksÂ
During her tenure as Speaker, Meranda faced significant resistance from Obasa’s allies, who contested her authority.
On February 17, 2025, tensions flared within the Assembly Complex when security agents clashed with legislative workers over their presence in the hallowed chambers.
In response, 36 lawmakers reaffirmed their confidence in Meranda, passing a vote of confidence and adjourning sitting indefinitely.
Again, on February 27, 2025, Obasa made a dramatic return to the Assembly Complex, flanked by armed security operatives.
His presence reignited hostilities among lawmakers, with some insisting that he remained impeached while others sought a political resolution.
Also, his reappearance marked a significant moment in the ongoing power struggle, setting the stage for the eventual leadership reshuffle which culminated in his reinstatement today.
Reactions from Lawmakers
Following her resignation, Meranda received commendation from lawmakers for her role in maintaining stability despite the crisis.
Many praised her leadership style, resilience, and willingness to respect party decisions.
Lawmakers also stressed her commitment to legislative processes, noting that her brief tenure was instrumental in easing tensions within the Assembly.
Obasa, in his acceptance speech after being reinstated, expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the APC leadership for their support.
He emphasised the need for collaboration and unity, assuring lawmakers that his administration would prioritise legislative efficiency and development-driven policies.
Similarly in her remarks as the newly elected Deputy Speaker, Meranda reaffirmed her dedication to serving the Assembly.
She acknowledged the challenges of the past weeks and called for collective efforts to move the House forward.
She also pledged to work closely with Obasa to ensure effective governance and the passage of key legislative bills.
