History was made on Monday, January 13, 2025, as Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was elected the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, following the impeachment of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Obasa, who served as Speaker since 2015, was impeached during his absence from plenary. The motion, raised by Hon. Femi Saheed under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, cited allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and authoritarian leadership. The House unanimously adopted the motion, with 32 out of 40 members voting for his removal.
Obasa’s tenure was marked by controversies, including accusations of misappropriating public funds and high-handed leadership. A recent revelation of his authorization to withdraw ₦43.5 billion for lawmakers’ vehicles further fueled dissent, culminating in his ouster.
Mojisola Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency I, brings a rich legacy of leadership to her historic new role. Born on August 16, 1980, into prominent royal families of Lagos, she is the daughter of Chief T.A. Lawal-Akapo, a former legislator and Ojora of Lagos, and a member of the Oniru royal lineage. Her brother, Oba AbdulWasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, is the current Oniru of Iru land.
An alumna of Lagos State University, Meranda holds a B.Sc. in Public Administration and an advanced certificate in software development. Her professional journey spans both public and private sectors, including roles as Senior Special Assistant on Technology and Special Projects to former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and procurement manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited.
Meranda was first elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 and served as Chief Whip during the 9th Assembly before becoming Deputy Speaker in 2023. A loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), she is known for her moderate yet strategic political style, resilience, and dedication to public service.
Her emergence as Speaker signals a new chapter in Lagos State politics, showcasing her ability to navigate its complex dynamics while paving the way for greater female representation in leadership.
