“We Reaffirm Our Unwavering Support For Speaker Meranda… She Remains In Office” – 36 Lawmakers Stand Firm 24 Hours After Obasa’s Stormy Drama

Once again, 36 out of 40 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have reinforced their support for newly elected Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

“We reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians. Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues,” a statement issued by the lawmakers on Friday, February 28, 2025, declared.

This development follows the stormy drama instigated by immediate past Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Obasa, who was removed from office on January 13, 2025, stormed the Lagos Assembly on Thursday, February 27, 2025, declaring that he remained the Speaker. He proceeded to hold a sitting with four members, despite the legislative body being on an indefinite break.

In response, the 36 lawmakers, in a statement signed by state legislator and Assembly spokesperson Steve Ogundipe, described Obasa’s actions as “unconstitutional and without legislative effect.”

Providing further context, the statement explained: “For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority.

“None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only five out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect.”

In a strong display of unity, the lawmakers called the attention of Lagos residents, Nigerians, and the global community to Obasa’s “unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary.” They also accompanied Speaker Meranda to the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of the case instituted by Obasa, challenging his removal from office.

The former Speaker, who stormed the Assembly on February 27, 2025, had reportedly initiated the case via an application dated February 12, 2025, through his counsel.

Meranda, who was elected immediately after Obasa’s removal on January 13, 2025, is the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.