Mojisola Meranda has resigned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly 49 days after assuming office.
Meranda reportedly stepped down after meeting with some hierarchy in the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, including former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Recall that Meranda was elected as Speaker on January 13, 2025, following the impeachment of Obasa, becoming the first female to hold the office.
However, Obasa’s removal led to a breakdown in authority, causing a rift between the State Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Lagos.
Thelensng reports that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 17, 2025, stormed the Lagos Assembly Complex, blocking Meranda’s access to her office as lawmakers and staff gathered in a show of solidarity.
“I will never stray from the well-established path of honour and dignity exemplified by my late father, the past Ojora of Lagos. It is with full awareness of my resolve that I announce my decision to resign as speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, effective March 3, 2025.
“This decision was not made lightly; it came after careful deliberation, fully aware of the intrigues surrounding my election as Speaker. We are the representatives of the good people of Lagos, entrusted with a mandate to protect our democracy,” she declared.
The lawmaker revealed that she chose to resign so as to maintain legislative integrity, while expressing commitment to serving her constituency, Apapa 1.
“I have chosen to resign to uphold the integrity of this institution. I made history as the first female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and deeply cherished the solidarity freely offered to me during my tenure.
“I am sincerely grateful to each of you for your unwavering support throughout my brief time in office. As I step down from the position of speaker, I remain committed to serving the people of Apapa 1 constituency,” Meranda further stated.
She added: “I am not a quitter; I have taken this step to avoid further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment. The party’s decision is supreme, and at this juncture, I take a bow as speaker. Thank you all.”
Meranda was commended by her colleagues for fostering peace and stability within the Assembly – and was re-elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly after stepping down.
