Mojisola Meranda has resigned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly just seven weeks after assuming the role.
Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, announced her resignation on Monday, after which lawmakers re-elected her as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
During the session, her colleagues commended her leadership style, noting that she played a key role in maintaining stability within the House.
They also praised her for her humility and for adhering to the directives of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Her resignation followed a reported meeting with top-ranking APC members in Lagos, aimed at resolving the leadership crisis that had engulfed the House.
The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who represents Agege Constituency I, was impeached by more than two-thirds of the 40-member Assembly over allegations of misconduct and other offenses.
Following his removal, Meranda, who was then Deputy Speaker, was elected as the new Speaker, making history as the first female to hold the position in Lagos State.
However, on January 25, Obasa rejected his impeachment, insisting that he remained the Speaker and that due process had not been followed.
He criticized the heavy security presence at the Assembly complex during the impeachment proceedings and argued that the decision was made in his absence while he was out of the country.
Despite Obasa’s objections, 36 lawmakers remained steadfast in their support for Meranda, affirming that his removal was final.
The faceoff escalated on February 17, when security operatives clashed with Assembly staff over access to the chambers.
That same day, 36 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda and adjourned proceedings indefinitely.
On February 27, Obasa made a dramatic return to the Assembly complex, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel.
His appearance marked his first visit to the House since his removal in January.
Despite resistance from many lawmakers who remained loyal to Meranda, Obasa maintained that he was still the legitimate Speaker.
Monday’s developments, including Meranda’s resignation and her re-election as Deputy Speaker, appear to be part of a negotiated resolution to the crisis.
However, Obasa’s exact role in the Assembly’s leadership remains unclear.
