The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Meranda, may vacate her position, potentially paving the way for either Mr. David Setonji or Mr. Wale Rauf to take over.
This development follows mediation efforts by prominent political figures, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. Meranda made history on January 13 as the first female Speaker of the House after the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who was accused of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness.
However, Obasa has challenged his removal in court, arguing that due process was not followed. Sources indicate that key political stakeholders met with principal officers and House members over the weekend, with another meeting expected soon. Speculation suggests that Meranda may be asked to return to her former role as Deputy Speaker, while either Setonji (Badagry 2) or Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2) could assume the Speakership.Setonji, the current Chief Whip, has been a lawmaker since 2015, while Rauf has served in the House since 2019.
The proposed change is reportedly driven by regional balancing in state leadership, as both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda hail from Lagos Central, leaving Lagos West without a top leadership position. With Obasa’s removal, political stakeholders have pushed for the next Speaker to be chosen from Lagos West.Despite these discussions, Meranda received a vote of confidence from 36 out of 40 lawmakers on Monday, February 17, affirming their support for her leadership. However, the House has adjourned indefinitely, allowing room for further negotiations.
