- Lagos West lawmakers secured Meranda’s position as Speaker despite leadership disputes.
- The GAC’s attempt to rebalance Assembly leadership failed amid strong opposition.
- Obasa’s removal and Meranda’s appointment continue to spark political tensions.
Twenty lawmakers from Lagos West have reaffirmed their support for former Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, ensuring she retains her position as Speaker despite ongoing political tensions.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the decision followed an emergency meeting convened by the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday at Lagos House, Marina, to address the leadership crisis that erupted after the removal of former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Obasa was ousted in absentia on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of 40 Assembly members over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and abuse of office. His removal sparked controversy, with loyalists and party stakeholders divided over the appointment of Meranda as his replacement.
During the high-level meeting chaired by GAC leader, Pa Tajudeen Olusi, discussions centered on balancing regional representation in the Assembly’s leadership. Some members pushed for the Speakership to be ceded to Lagos West to reflect zonal equity, given that both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Meranda hail from Lagos Central.
However, the proposal failed to gain traction as 20 lawmakers from Lagos West firmly backed Meranda, rejecting any move to alter the leadership arrangement. Their stance effectively solidified her position, overriding opposition within the party.
A source present at the meeting confirmed that attempts to replace Meranda were unsuccessful. “The discussions largely revolved around balancing leadership between senatorial districts, but the lawmakers from Lagos West were resolute in their support for her,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, Obasa is believed to enjoy backing from influential figures within the Tinubu political caucus, who had reportedly pressured the GAC to reconsider the leadership arrangement. However, with lawmakers standing their ground, Meranda’s position as Speaker remains intact.
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