Obasa Demands Return of N5 Billion Withdrawn by Meranda During Brief Tenure as Speaker – Report

According to an exclusive report by Peoples Gazette, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, is locked in a growing dispute with his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, over a controversial N5 billion withdrawal made during her brief tenure as speaker.

Ms Meranda served as the state’s first female speaker for just 49 days following Mr Obasa’s impeachment on January 13, 2025. During that time, she reportedly approved the disbursement of N5 billion from the Assembly’s account for the purchase of 40 units of 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs—one for each lawmaker.

Sources who spoke with Peoples Gazette allege that the disbursement, made only days after her swearing-in, has now become a major point of contention between her and Mr Obasa, who was reinstated as speaker on March 3, reportedly on the orders of President Bola Tinubu. Upon his return, Mr Obasa is said to have demanded the immediate return of the vehicles and the funds, insisting Ms Meranda acted without proper authority.

Before his removal, Mr Obasa had allegedly finalised a separate vehicle procurement plan—reportedly involving N7 billion to purchase 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs. That plan included one vehicle each for the 40 lawmakers, one for the clerk of the House, and four for himself and his two wives. His removal from office, however, prevented the plan from being executed.

Mr Obasa’s return to the speakership has reportedly been marked by efforts to reverse Ms Meranda’s decisions. Sources cited in the report claim he has been pressuring her to return the N5 billion or the Land Cruisers themselves, arguing that her actions disrupted an already concluded procurement arrangement.

However, many lawmakers have allegedly refused to comply, saying they are unwilling to exchange the newer, higher-end Land Cruisers for the older model Fortuners initially planned by Mr Obasa. This has reportedly sparked further tensions within the House, with the speaker’s pushback fuelling a quiet revolt among members who had opposed his return.

These developments remain within the realm of allegations, and no official statements have been issued by either party.