Meranda bows to pressure, agrees to resign as Lagos speaker

Princess Mojisola Meranda has agreed to resign as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, clearing the way for new leadership in the Assembly, NewsNGR reports.

With barely any last-minute changes, Meranda is expected to announce her resignation within one week.

Sources told NewsNGR on Tuesday that the decision follows discussions and interventions from prominent political figures, including former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Meranda stepped into the role after the removal of Mudashiru Obasa following allegations of corruption and abuse of office. However, Obasa has since challenged his removal in court.

Meranda’s resignation is expected to open the door for either David Setonji or Wale Rauf from Lagos West to assume the position of Speaker, with the move seen as part of efforts to ensure balanced regional representation in the state’s leadership. Sources indicate that influential political figures held an initial meeting with House members and principal officers over the weekend, with plans for another gathering soon.

Speculation suggests that Meranda may be reassigned to her former position as Deputy Speaker, while either David Setonji (Badagry 2) or Wale Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2) from Lagos West could step into the role of Speaker.

David Setonji, currently the Chief Whip of the House, has been serving as a lawmaker since 2015, while Wale Rauf has been a member since 2019.

This potential shift is reportedly influenced by the need for regional representation in the state leadership. With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda both hailing from Lagos Central, Lagos West is currently without a top leadership position. Given that Obasa is from Lagos West, stakeholders have recommended that the next Speaker be chosen from the district.