News

Mojisola Meranda: First Female Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has officially taken office as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, setting a historic precedent as the first woman to hold this position in Lagos State. Her ascent to the speakership came after the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, due to allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency I, was sworn in amidst heightened security at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex on January 27, 2025. Her election followed a dramatic session where 32 out of 40 assembly members voted for Obasa’s removal. Meranda, previously the deputy speaker, ascended to the role with immediate effect, pledging to uphold the constitution and serve with integrity.

Born in August 1980, Meranda’s educational journey began at Randle Primary School and continued through Anglican Girls Grammar School and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School. She earned a B.Sc. in Public Administration from Lagos State University in 2013 and later a Master’s in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos in 2020. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA in Public Sector Management at the University of York, UK.

Her career spans both public service and the private sector, including roles as a personal assistant in information technology, procurement manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited, and managing director of Worthline International Services Limited, a company she founded. Meranda’s political journey started with the Alliance for Democracy (AD), later transitioning through various political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since her election to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015, Meranda has been a pivotal figure, focusing on legislative initiatives aimed at community development and women’s political participation. She served as Chief Whip during the ninth assembly and has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in politics, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.

Her leadership style, as she has expressed, will focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. In her inaugural speech, Meranda committed to strengthening legislative independence, promoting accountability, and ensuring that the assembly’s actions reflect the needs and aspirations of Lagosians.

The election of Meranda has been met with both commendation and controversy. While many celebrate the historic milestone of having the first female speaker, there has been criticism from some quarters, particularly from the APC faction in Lagos West, who argue that the position should have remained in their region for reasons of political equity.

Meranda has also faced support from the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the APC, which she visited to seek blessings and endorsement for her new role. Meanwhile, former Speaker Obasa has contested the legitimacy of his impeachment, asserting that he remains the speaker until due process is fully adhered to, which has led to increased security measures at the Assembly Complex.

As Mojisola Meranda steps into this challenging role, her leadership will be closely watched for how she navigates the political landscape of Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and complex states. Her tenure will be crucial in setting precedents for gender roles in Nigerian politics and in advancing legislative agendas that directly impact the lives of Lagosians.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *