In a historic development, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has been elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, making her the first female to hold the position in the southwest state.
Meranda’s election followed the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa during a plenary session on Monday. Prior to her election as Speaker, Meranda served as the Deputy Speaker and represents Apapa Constituency I.
Taking the oath of office on the floor of the House, the 44-year-old lawmaker pledged her commitment to the Assembly and the people of Lagos State.
“I affirm that I will faithfully discharge my duties as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, performing my functions honestly to the best of my ability, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Meranda declared.
Since its inception in 1979, the Lagos State House of Assembly has had nine different assemblies, with the most recent being inaugurated in 2019. However, Meranda’s election marks a significant milestone, as she is the first woman to hold the office of Speaker.
Alongside Meranda’s election, Mojeed Fatai was chosen as the new Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
Obasa’s impeachment came amid a series of corruption allegations, including claims that he had spent N17 billion to renovate a gate leading to the Assembly, a charge he vehemently denied.
“That accusation is laughable,” Obasa had responded. “How much is the Assembly’s total annual budget that we would decide to spend N17 billion on a gate? They even alleged we spent 200 million on a thanksgiving event that never took place.”
He further suggested that such allegations were politically motivated as the 2027 elections approach, stating, “At times like this, when elections are around the corner, we expect baseless claims to arise. I think some people are afraid, but I don’t understand why. This House has not and will not engage in such reckless spending.”
