Princess Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, may soon step down from her position. This development comes after interventions by prominent political figures, including former All Progressives Congress (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). If Meranda steps down, her successor is expected to be either Mr. David Setonji, the current Chief Whip of the House, or Mr. Wale Rauf, a lawmaker representing Amuwo Odofin 2.
Meranda made history on January 13 when she was elected as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa, who had faced allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness, was ousted in a move that was celebrated as a step toward greater accountability and transparency in the state legislature. However, Obasa has since challenged his removal in court, arguing that due process was not followed. His legal battle has cast a shadow over the Assembly’s operations and created a tense political atmosphere.
Sources within the Lagos State House of Assembly reveal that the push for Meranda’s potential resignation is being driven by a coalition of influential political figures who are seeking to stabilize the House and address internal divisions. Over the weekend, key stakeholders, including Chief Bisi Akande, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, held a closed-door meeting with principal officers and members of the House. Another meeting is reportedly scheduled to finalize the decision.
The intervention by these political heavyweights underscores the high stakes involved in the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly. As the legislative arm of Nigeria’s most economically significant state, the Assembly plays a crucial role in shaping policies and governance in Lagos. The ongoing leadership crisis has raised concerns about the House’s ability to function effectively, particularly at a time when the state is grappling with pressing issues such as infrastructure development, security, and economic challenges.
If Meranda steps down as Speaker, she is expected to return to her former position as Deputy Speaker, a role she held before her historic election in January. While her tenure as Speaker has been relatively short, her leadership has been praised for bringing a fresh perspective to the House. However, sources suggest that the pressure for her resignation stems from a desire to restore stability and address the legal and political complications arising from Obasa’s removal.
Meranda’s potential return to the Deputy Speaker position would mark a significant shift in the House’s leadership dynamics. It would also highlight the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics, particularly in breaking through the glass ceiling of leadership roles. Her election as Speaker was widely celebrated as a milestone for gender equality, and her possible resignation could reignite debates about the barriers women face in attaining and retaining political power.
The two leading candidates to replace Meranda as Speaker are Mr. David Setonji and Mr. Wale Rauf, both of whom are experienced lawmakers with strong political connections. Setonji, who represents Badagry 2, has been a member of the House since 2015 and currently serves as the Chief Whip. Known for his legislative acumen and deep understanding of the House’s operations, Setonji is widely regarded as a unifying figure who could help bridge the divides within the Assembly.
Wale Rauf, on the other hand, represents Amuwo Odofin 2 and has been a member of the House since 2019. Although relatively newer to the Assembly compared to Setonji, Rauf has built a reputation as a diligent and effective lawmaker. His candidacy for the Speakership is seen as a reflection of the growing influence of lawmakers from Lagos West, a region that has historically been underrepresented in the state’s political leadership.
The choice between Setonji and Rauf will likely depend on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations among stakeholders. Both lawmakers have their strengths, and their selection as Speaker could have significant implications for the House’s legislative agenda and internal cohesion.
The potential leadership change in the Lagos State House of Assembly comes at a critical time for both the state and the nation. Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy, and the stability of its legislative arm is essential for effective governance. The ongoing crisis in the House has raised concerns about the ability of lawmakers to focus on pressing issues such as infrastructure development, public safety, and economic recovery.
Moreover, the developments in Lagos reflect broader trends in Nigerian politics, where leadership crises and internal party conflicts often undermine governance and public trust. The intervention by senior political figures like Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba highlights the importance of experienced leaders in resolving political disputes and ensuring stability.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Lagos State House of Assembly to see how it navigates this leadership transition. The outcome will not only shape the future of the House but also send a message about the state of Nigerian democracy and the ability of its leaders to address internal challenges and prioritize the public good.
In the meantime, Princess Mojisola Meranda’s potential resignation serves as a reminder of the complexities and pressures of political leadership, particularly for women breaking new ground in a male-dominated arena. Whether she steps down or not, her historic tenure as Speaker will remain a significant chapter in the story of Lagos State and Nigerian politics.
