Mojisola Meranda has resigned as the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly just 49 days after assuming office.
Her resignation follows a meeting with embattled former speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Lagos APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi and Attorney-General Lawal Pedro on Monday.
Announcing her decision, Meranda said she was stepping down to uphold the integrity of the legislature.
“It is with full awareness of my resolve that I announce my decision to resign as speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, effective March 3, 2025.
“This decision was not made lightly; it came after careful deliberation, fully aware of the intrigues surrounding my election as speaker. We are the representatives of the good people of Lagos, entrusted with a mandate to protect our democracy.
“I have chosen to resign to uphold the integrity of this institution. I made history as the first female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and deeply cherished the solidarity freely offered to me during my tenure.
“I am sincerely grateful to each of you for your unwavering support throughout my brief time in office. As I step down from the position of speaker, I remain committed to serving the people of Apapa 1 constituency.
“I am not a quitter; I have taken this step to avoid further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.
“The party’s decision is supreme, and at this juncture, I take a bow as Speaker. Thank you all.”
She described her tenure as historic, noting, “I will never stray from the well-established path of honor and dignity exemplified by my late father, the past Ojora of Lagos.”
Meranda’s resignation comes amid a leadership crisis that began on January 13, 2025, when 32 lawmakers removed Obasa as speaker over alleged misconduct.
Obasa, however, rejected his removal, citing improper procedure and the militarisation of the assembly complex.
On February 27, he arrived at the assembly chambers with armed security operatives, insisting he remained the speaker.
Lawmakers loyal to Meranda opposed him, deepening the standoff.
Following her resignation, Meranda was re-elected as deputy speaker, while Obasa reclaimed his position as speaker.
