Obasa’s Comeback Bid Fails as Lagos Lawmakers Stand Firm Behind Meranda

 Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has retained her position despite attempts by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim the leadership.

A group of 20 lawmakers from Lagos West reaffirmed their support for Meranda during a meeting chaired by Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) leader Pa Tajudeen Olusi. The lawmakers rejected calls for a leadership shift and insisted that Meranda remain Speaker.

Obasa was removed in absentia on January 13, 2025, after 32 out of 40 Assembly members accused him of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. His ouster has since caused division within the GAC, with some members advocating for his reinstatement while others back the Assembly’s decision.

One of the key points of contention at the meeting was regional balance. Some GAC members argued that since both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda hail from Lagos Central, the Speakership should be ceded to Lagos West. However, lawmakers from Lagos West resisted the move, maintaining that Meranda should continue in her role.

“The attempt to replace Meranda as Speaker failed. The discussions mainly focused on balancing the leadership between senatorial districts,” a source at the meeting disclosed.

With the majority of lawmakers standing by Meranda, Obasa’s political future remains uncertain.