The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Meranda, may soon step down, potentially making way for either Mr. David Setonji or Mr. Wale Rauf to assume the role.
This development comes after intervention efforts by key 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 (NNPCL).
Meranda made history on January 13 as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly after the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted over allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness. However, Obasa has since contested his removal in court, arguing that due process was not followed.
According to sources, political stakeholders recently met with principal officers and House members to discuss the situation, with another meeting expected soon.
Reports suggest that Meranda could be asked to return to her former position as Deputy Speaker, while one of the two lawmakers from Lagos West, David Setonji or Wale Rauf, might take over as Speaker.
Setonji, representing Badagry 2, currently serves as the House’s Chief Whip and has been a lawmaker since 2015. Rauf, representing Amuwo Odofin 2, has been in the Assembly since 2019.
The push for a leadership change is said to be driven by concerns over regional representation in Lagos State politics.
Both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Mojisola Meranda are from Lagos Central, while Lagos West, previously represented by Obasa, currently lacks a top leadership position. To address this imbalance, stakeholders have proposed that the next Speaker be selected from Lagos West.
Despite these developments, Meranda still enjoys significant support within the House. On Monday, February 17, 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her leadership.
However, with the Assembly adjourning indefinitely, negotiations are expected to continue, leaving room for further discussions on the future of the House’s leadership.
