In what can be regarded as high wire politics and obedience to party supremacy, the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has resigned from the prestigious position after a brief 49-day tenure.
Reading her resignation letter at the emergency plenary on Monday afternoon, Meranda said, “This is a notice of resignation as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.”.
But she was later returned to her previous position as the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.
Incidentally, her departure, along with that of the Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip, and Deputy Chief Whip, threw the Assembly into a moment of emotional upheaval, leaving lawmakers and staff visibly distraught.
The sudden resignations, which included Fatai Mojeed (Deputy Speaker), David Setonji (Chief Whip), and Sanni Okanlawon (Deputy Chief Whip), occurred during the emergency plenary session that quickly became a scene of both admiration and sorrow.
Lawmakers also showered Meranda with accolades, praising her as a “hero of democracy,” “kind,” “compassionate,” “respectful,” “responsible,” “intelligent,” and “fair.” She was repeatedly hailed as a “role model” for women and girls.
The emotional atmosphere was palpable, particularly as Hon Desmond Elliot rose to speak, only to be overcome by tears and unable to utter a word.
His colleague, Hon Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, congratulated the former Speaker, eulogising her exemplary character.
It is instructive to note that the plenary session was attended by key figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelade, Deputy Chairman, Michael Mayegun, and other party leaders.
Many of those who were present at the session , including Adeola Jokonba, Samuel Akiode, Mogaji Ola Aina Lawal, Sabur Oluwa, and Olaide Ajayi, were visibly moved.
Immediately following the resignations, the House swiftly renominated a new executive. David Setonji was reinstated as Deputy Chief Whip, Richard Kasumu was nominated as Deputy Majority Leader, Adewale Temitope as Majority Leader, and Mojeed Fatai as Chief Whip.
Meranda’s brief tenure began on January 13, 2025, following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The impeachment motion, brought forward by Femi Saheed under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, cited allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and authoritarian leadership.
The motion was unanimously adopted by 32 out of 40 members, leading to Obasa’s removal. Obasa, who had served as Speaker since 2015, had faced numerous controversies, including accusations of high-handedness and misuse of public funds.
