Actor and lawmaker Desmond Elliot was visibly emotional on Monday following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Meranda stepped down after a meeting with former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Lagos APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi and Attorney-General Lawal Pedro.
She described her decision as a sacrifice 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,” she said, acknowledging the political intrigues surrounding her election.
Meranda, who made history as the first female Speaker of the House, expressed gratitude for the support she received. She vowed to continue serving her Apapa 1 constituency and emphasized that her decision was to prevent further conflict.
During the plenary session, Elliot, representing Surulere Constituency 1, struggled to hold back tears.
Attempting to speak, he faltered before asking to allow others to go first. “Madam Speaker, can I allow others to speak first?” he said in distress.
Meranda’s resignation paved the way for the reinstatement of Obasa, who had been removed as Speaker in January.
Lawmakers approved his return following a nomination by Noheem Adams, seconded by Akinsanya Nureni.
In a surprising turn, Meranda was re-elected as Deputy Speaker after stepping down.
