Lagos Speaker Meranda Agrees to Step Down, Gives Condition

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, may step down from her position, but only if the resignation occurs during a plenary session, sources have confirmed.

The Assembly has been in turmoil following an indefinite adjournment on February 17, after 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda’s leadership. In response to the crisis, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) intervened, reaching a resolution that the Speakership should be ceded to Lagos West. As part of this arrangement, Meranda is expected to step down, with indications that she may return to her previous role as Deputy Speaker.

A source familiar with the situation stated that any resignation must follow due process, emphasizing that it cannot happen outside of plenary. Until the House reconvenes, Meranda remains in her position, and no definitive timeline has been set for the next sitting.

Meanwhile, APC leaders have dispatched a delegation from Abuja to mediate the ongoing crisis. Key political figures, including former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Board Chairman Pius Akinyelure, have stepped in to broker peace. Over the weekend, principal officers and House members held an initial meeting, with further discussions expected soon.

As part of the resolution, the next Speaker will emerge from Lagos West. Among those being considered for the position are Setonji David (Badagry Constituency 2), Temitope Adewale (Ifako-Ijaye 1), Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1), Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja 2), Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1), Wale Rauf Sulaimon (Mushin 2), Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 1), and Surajudeen Tijani (Ojo 2).

Efforts are ongoing to stabilize the Assembly and ensure a smooth transition of leadership.