Mojisola Meranda Makes History As Lagos Assembly’s First Female Speaker

Mojisola Meranda Makes History As Lagos Assembly’s First Female Speaker

In a groundbreaking development, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has been elected as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, marking a historic moment as the first female to lead the legislative arm in the southwestern state.

Meranda’s election occurred during a plenary session on Monday, following the impeachment of her predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa. Before assuming the role of Speaker, Meranda served as the Deputy Speaker and represents Apapa Constituency I in the Assembly.

During her swearing-in on the House floor, the 44-year-old lawmaker expressed her dedication to the office, saying, “I affirm that I will be faithful as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; that I will perform my functions honestly to the best of my ability, faithfully, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The Lagos State House of Assembly, established in 1979, has witnessed nine assemblies since its inception. Despite this, Meranda’s election is the first time a woman has been chosen as Speaker. The current Assembly was inaugurated in 2019.

Additionally, Mojeed Fatai was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House.

The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa came amid allegations of corruption. Notably, he faced accusations of allocating N17 billion to repair a gate leading to the Assembly complex—claims he vehemently denied.

“It is so funny. How much is the allocation of the Assembly in the whole year that we will decide to spend N17 billion on a gate? They even claimed that we expended N200 million on a thanksgiving event that never held,” Obasa responded at the time. “At a time like this, as we approach the 2027 elections, we expect such allegations. Some people seem scared, and I don’t know why. This House has not and will not embark on such reckless projects.”