Lagos Speakership: 20 lawmakers helped Meranda secure her seat

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 crisis.

The crisis began when the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was removed in absentia on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of 40 Assembly members over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. He was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, as the substantive Speaker. The move sparked conflicting reactions among GAC members, party faithful, and the public.

Following Obasa’s removal, divisions within the GAC deepened.

The crucial meeting, which began around noon, took place at Lagos House, Marina—the official residence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. It was chaired by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, leader of the GAC, the apex decision-making body of the APC in Lagos.

The GAC had previously held a similar meeting two weeks earlier at the same venue to discuss developments at the state Assembly.

During the hours-long session, which saw widespread attendance from GAC members and Assembly lawmakers, there was overwhelming support for Meranda’s continued leadership despite opposition.

The key issue discussed was the need for regional balance in the Assembly leadership. With both the current Governor and newly elected Speaker hailing from Lagos Central, some GAC members advocated ceding the Speakership to Lagos West. However, this proposal did not gain traction.

Lawmakers from Lagos West, comprising about 20 members, stood firm in their support for Meranda, rejecting the GAC’s proposal and effectively solidifying her position as Speaker.

It was gathered that Obasa enjoys backing from influential members of the Tinubu family and caucus, who had been pressuring the GAC to take action.

Despite this, Meranda retained her position as Speaker, prompting jubilant celebrations among lawmakers and Assembly staff.

“The attempt to replace Meranda as Speaker failed. The discussions mainly focused on balancing the leadership between senatorial districts,” a source disclosed.