20 Lagos West Lawmakers Secure Meranda’s Speakership Amidst Political Tensions

The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) convened an emergency meeting on Monday with members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to address the ongoing leadership dispute.

The crisis erupted after former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was removed in absentia on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of 40 Assembly members. The lawmakers accused him of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and authoritarian leadership. Following his removal, his former deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, was elected as the new Speaker—a decision that sparked mixed reactions among APC leaders, party supporters, and the public.

Deepening Divisions Within the GAC

The leadership transition further widened rifts within the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). The high-stakes meeting, which started at noon at Lagos House, Marina, was chaired by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, leader of the GAC and a top decision-maker within the Lagos APC.

This was the second such meeting within two weeks, as the GAC sought to resolve the internal crisis surrounding the state Assembly’s leadership.

Lagos West Lawmakers Rally Behind Meranda

Despite resistance, a significant number of lawmakers and APC leaders expressed strong support for Meranda’s continued leadership. The discussion revolved around ensuring regional balance in the Assembly’s leadership structure.

With both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda hailing from Lagos Central, some GAC members argued that the Speakership should be shifted to Lagos West. However, this suggestion did not gain sufficient backing.

In a decisive move, about 20 lawmakers from Lagos West united in their support for Meranda, outrightly rejecting any proposal to replace her. Their firm stance effectively solidified her position as Speaker, despite efforts from political heavyweights loyal to the Tinubu political family to reinstate Obasa.