Lagos, Nigeria – The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has denied reports that she has resigned from her position, dismissing the claims as false and unfounded.
Meranda’s Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, refuted the speculation on Wednesday, emphasizing that she remains in office. “I’m in the office. The Speaker is in the office. I don’t know where that is coming from,” Ajiboye said
The rumors surfaced after an online report alleged that Meranda had stepped down. A circular dated February 17, 2025, purportedly issued by the Speaker, had been widely circulated, suggesting her resignation. However, verification of the document revealed that it lacked an official signature, raising doubts about its authenticity.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa by a majority of lawmakers. Obasa, who was removed from office while outside the country, has since challenged the legality of his impeachment in court.
According to Reports, Obasa has filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the State High Court, seeking an expedited hearing of his suit. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afolabi Fashanu, is pursuing several reliefs, including:
– An order setting a date for a swift hearing of the originating summons.
– An order shortening the time within which the defendants may file their response to seven days after the hearing of the application.
– An order shortening the time for the plaintiff to file his reply to three days after receiving the defendants’ response.
Obasa’s case is based on nine legal grounds, including interpretations of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended) and the Standing Order of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The leadership crisis in the state legislature has raised concerns about stability within the Lagos Assembly, with political analysts warning that the ongoing dispute could impact governance in Nigeria’s commercial capital. Observers are closely watching the legal proceedings to see how the matter will unfold.
The turmoil within the Assembly began with the impeachment of Obasa on January 13, 2025. His removal was met with resistance from his allies, leading to further tension among lawmakers. Meranda was subsequently sworn in as the new Speaker amid the controversy.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Speaker Meranda has reaffirmed her commitment to leading the Assembly, urging lawmakers to focus on legislative duties rather than internal conflicts.
As the court deliberates on Obasa’s suit, political stakeholders in Lagos continue to weigh in on the implications of the Assembly’s leadership battle, which could have far-reaching effects ono gvernance in the state.
