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Obasa Impeachment: 5 Facts About New Lagos Speaker, Mojisola Meranda

Published

17 hours ago

Jan 13, 2025.

Mojisola Meranda is Lagos’ first female Speaker after Obasa’s impeachment.
Representing Apapa Constituency since 2015.
From Lagos’ prominent royal families.

Mojisola Meranda has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following the impeachment of Mudashir Obasa over allegations of fraud.

EKO HOT BLOG reports Meranda, previously the Deputy Speaker, assumed the role on Monday, January 13, 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the Assembly’s history.

For those unfamiliar with the trailblazing lawmaker representing Apapa Constituency 1, here are five key facts about her:

1. Royal Lagos Heritage

Meranda was born into the royal family of Lagos. Her late father, Chief Taoreed Lawal-Akapo, served as the Ojora of Lagos from 1977 to 1993. Her mother, Princess M.A. Lawal-Akapo, is also connected to prominent Lagos royal houses, including Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru. Her brother, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, is the Oniru of Iru Land.

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2. Education

Meranda began her education at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School before transferring to Randle Primary School in Surulere, where she studied from 1986 to 1992. She attended Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School and later Ansar-ud-Deen Secondary School, completing her secondary education in 1998. In 2013, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University.

3. Early Political Roots

Coming from a politically active family, Meranda developed an early interest in governance. She worked as a personal assistant to Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, who served as a Senior Special Assistant on Technology and Special Projects to Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor.

4. Legislative Career

At 44, Meranda is one of four women currently serving in the Lagos State House of Assembly. She was first elected as a legislator in 2015 after holding various roles in Apapa Local Government. Her re-elections in 2019 and 2023 reflect her dedication and influence in Lagos politics.

5. Historic Milestone

As the first female Speaker of the Lagos State Assembly, Meranda’s leadership marks a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape, paving the way for greater representation of women in governance.

Her ascension to Speaker demonstrates her resilience, dedication, and strong ties to Lagos’ rich political and royal heritage.

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