By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
On Monday, January 27, 2025, history was made in Lagos State as Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda became the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Her emergence followed the impeachment of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, a political heavyweight who had held the position since 2015.
This leadership change is more than just a shift in power; it reflects a deeper political, historical, and even linguistic rhythm within Lagos politics. The transition from Obasa (Agege Constituency) to Meranda (Apapa Constituency) presents an interesting symmetry—not just in governance but also in the structure of the constituencies they represent.
A Shift in Power: What Does It Mean for Lagos Politics?
For nearly a decade, Mudashiru Obasa wielded significant influence as Speaker, presiding over critical legislative decisions that shaped Lagos State. His impeachment signals a major political realignment, but the crucial question remains: Why now?
While the specifics of his removal remain a topic of political debate, the rise of Mojisola Meranda represents a significant development for gender inclusion and legislative leadership in Lagos. As the first woman to hold this position, her tenure could redefine the Assembly’s priorities.
Some key questions arise:
Will she maintain the political status quo, or will she introduce reforms that shift the legislative landscape?
How will party politics influence her leadership style?
What role did governor’s influence and intra-party power struggles play in Obasa’s impeachment?
Lagos’ Political Structure: The Administrative Divide
Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic hub, operates under a 57-division administrative structure, consisting of 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). This system was designed to decentralize governance and ensure that local administration remains effective in a rapidly growing metropolis.
While the LGAs represent the original administrative framework, the LCDAs were created to bring governance closer to the grassroots, improving service delivery and local representation.
The Phonetic and Political Rhythm of Leadership Change
One striking observation about this transition is the phonetic and syllabic similarity between Agege and Apapa—the two constituencies at the center of this shift.
It may seem like a linguistic coincidence, but in a state where politics is deeply rooted in tradition, alliances, and historical patterns, could this be a symbolic rhythm in the unfolding political narrative?
While this theory might appear abstract, it reflects the subtle patterns in governance shifts. Whether driven by political calculation or sheer coincidence, the fact remains that power has shifted between two constituencies that stand out in both name and political history.
What Lies Ahead for Lagos State?
With Mojisola Meranda at the helm, Lagos politics enters a new phase—one that could either reinforce existing political structures or introduce a fresh legislative agenda.
Key areas to watch include:
Legislative independence: Will she assert the Assembly’s authority or remain under executive influence?
Policy direction: Will there be major shifts in lawmaking priorities, particularly regarding governance, infrastructure, and economic policies?
Political stability: How will Obasa’s impeachment affect the balance of power within the ruling party?
The Unfolding Lagos Political Narrative
Lagos politics is never short of surprises. The rise of Mojisola Meranda as the first female Speaker, the fall of Mudashiru Obasa, and the subtle yet intriguing phonetic rhythm of this transition add another layer to the dynamic governance of Nigeria’s most influential state.
As the new Speaker settles into office, Lagosians will be watching closely. Will this transition lead to genuine legislative reform, or is it just another chapter in the ever-evolving political drama of Lagos?
Only time will tell.
