Twenty lawmakers from Lagos West have reportedly secured an agreement for former Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, to remain as Speaker.
According to reports, the decision was reached during an emergency meeting on Monday convened by the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis in the Assembly.
The crisis began after former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was removed in absentia on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of 40 Assembly members over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. His replacement with Meranda sparked mixed reactions among GAC members, party loyalists, and supporters of Obasa, who represents Agege Constituency 1.
The crucial meeting, held at Lagos House, Marina, the official residence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was chaired by GAC leader Pa Tajudeen Olusi.
According to Vanguard, the meeting lasted several hours, with a large turnout of GAC members and lawmakers. Despite opposition, Meranda received overwhelming support to retain her position.
A major point of discussion was the need for regional balance in the Assembly’s leadership. With both the Governor and Speaker from Lagos Central, some GAC members proposed shifting the Speakership to Lagos West, but the idea failed to gain traction.
Around 20 lawmakers from Lagos West stood firm in backing Meranda, rejecting the GAC’s proposal and reinforcing her position as Speaker.
A source at the meeting revealed, “The attempt to replace Meranda as Speaker failed. The discussions largely revolved around balancing leadership across senatorial districts.”
It was also gathered that Obasa enjoys support from key members of the Tinubu family and political caucus, who had been pressuring the GAC to intervene.
