By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly has deepened as Speaker Mojisola Meranda refuted claims of her resignation, despite ongoing political maneuvering and security interventions at the Assembly complex.
Meranda, who became the first female Speaker of the House following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, has been at the center of intense political speculation. Reports surfaced suggesting that she might step down, with lawmakers David Setonji or Wale Rauf being considered as possible successors.
However, in a statement addressing the rumors, Meranda maintained that she remains in office and continues to preside over legislative proceedings. “I have not resigned, and I am still fully committed to my responsibilities as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she stated.
The crisis escalated further when operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police sealed off the offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Clerk of the House, disrupting legislative activities. Sources close to the Assembly suggested that the security intervention was linked to tensions among lawmakers and external political forces attempting to influence the leadership structure.
Amid these developments, prominent political figures, including former APC National Chairman 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, have intervened in efforts to restore stability.
In a separate but related event, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) recently ordered the reinstatement of Olalekan Onafeko as the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, overturning his controversial removal. The ruling is expected to further impact the ongoing leadership struggle within the House.
With the situation remaining fluid, political observers believe that the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Speaker Meranda will withstand the pressure or if a leadership change is inevitable. Meanwhile, the Assembly remains a focal point of political intrigue as lawmakers and stakeholders seek a resolution to the crisis.
