Discover why Lagos lawmakers impeached Speaker Obasa, removed the Clerk, and dissolved committees. Learn about Mojisola Meranda, Lagos’ first female Speaker, and what this leadership change means for the state. Historic Shake-Up in Lagos State Assembly Lagos, Nigeria—In a dramatic turn of events marked by widespread jubilation, the Lagos State House of Assembly impeached its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on allegations of financial mismanagement. In an unprecedented move, his deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency I, was appointed as the first female Speaker in the Assembly’s history. The lawmakers also removed the Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, and dissolved all standing committees, signaling a fresh start under the new leadership. Key Highlights First Female Speaker Emerges Mojisola Meranda, sworn in at 9 am, briefly addressed the media, promising to outline her plans in the coming days. Why Obasa Was Removed The motion for Obasa’s impeachment was introduced by Femi Saheed under the “Matter of Urgent Public Importance.” Saheed cited Section 92(2)(C) of the Constitution, accusing Obasa of: A voice vote by 32 of the 40 Assembly members sealed Obasa’s fate, ending his 10-year tenure as Speaker—the longest in the Assembly’s history. What Led to the Impeachment? Obasa dismissed these claims as “spurious and funny,” accusing his detractors of ulterior motives ahead of the 2027 elections. Assembly Tightens Security Following Obasa’s removal, armed security personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos Taskforce, and Lagos Police Command surrounded the Assembly complex. Miscreants believed to be from Agege Constituency, which Obasa represents, were arrested, and charms were recovered. New Leadership Takes Charge Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency I, stated that the impeachment was a unanimous decision to preserve the Assembly’s integrity and refocus its objectives. “All principal positions and committees have been dissolved. We are committed to serving Lagosians under this new leadership,” Tobun added. About Mojisola Meranda The newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, hails from the prestigious Akapo royal family. She attended St. Charles Nursery and Primary School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School. Known for her leadership qualities, she previously held roles such as Library Prefect and Secretary of the Press Club. Reactions to the Impeachment Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Response Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu skipped the weekly Executive Council meeting to monitor the unfolding events. Sources suggest he welcomed the change, seeing it as an opportunity for better collaboration. Obasa’s Defiance Obasa dismissed the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated. He denied claims of financial impropriety, including spending N17 billion on a gate and N200 million on a Thanksgiving service. Public Expectations Lagosians are optimistic about the new leadership, hoping for greater transparency and improved governance. The Assembly members have assured the public of their commitment to serving the state diligently. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The House of Representatives has rejected a bill proposing a six-year single term for the presidency of Nigeria. The constitutional amendment bill, initially introduced in June by Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and 33 other lawmakers, was debated and subsequently dismissed on Thursday during a session on its general principles. The bill also included provisions to rotate the presidency between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions and create two vice presidents—one for succession and another responsible for managing the economy. According to the proposal, the first vice president would assume the presidency if the sitting president becomes incapacitated, while the second vice president would serve as a minister overseeing economic affairs. In addition, the bill suggested that the president and the first vice president must hail from the same region (either the North or South), and both vice presidents would serve as ministers within the cabinet. The second vice president would be tasked with economic management. Rejection of the Bill During the plenary session, Ugochinyere was not permitted to lead the debate before his bill was put to vote. Despite his motion to read the bill a second time, the House overwhelmingly voted against it when Speaker Abbas Tajudeen called for a vote. Atiku’s Support for the Bill Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had expressed support for some aspects of the rejected bill, particularly the idea of rotating the presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the proposed single six-year term. In August, Atiku submitted a memo to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, advocating for similar reforms. The 2014 National Conference had previously recommended a power rotation model that included rotating governorship positions among the three senatorial districts in each state. However, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan did not act on these recommendations before leaving office. READ ALSO:
