Meranda resigns as Lagos Assembly Speaker

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has resigned from her position.

Meranda resigned after 49 days in office.

She announced her resignation after a meeting with the embattled former Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Cornelius Ojelabi, and the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, on Monday, March 3, 2025.

The crisis rocking the House commenced after 32 lawmakers removed Obasa and Clerk Olalekan Onafeko in January.

Obasa was replaced by his former deputy, Meranda, as the new Speaker.

The crisis intensified on February 17 when the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives sealed off the Assembly complex, preventing a plenary session.

Lagos Assembly orders staff to work remotely

Despite this, lawmakers forced their way into the chambers, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely, declaring a vote of confidence in Meranda.

Meanwhile, three Assembly staff members face trial for allegedly assaulting DSS operatives during the standoff.

Obasa rejected his removal as unconstitutional. On February 27, he stormed the Assembly complex with heavy security, allegedly breaking into the Speaker’s office.

He resumed duties and his supporters also besieged the Assembly, demanding his reinstatement.

Obasa has filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The court will hear the case on Friday.

The Assembly, on Monday, directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely indefinitely, to prevent potential violence from the ongoing leadership crisis.

The Star