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Lagos State House of Assembly witnesses significant leadership changes as Mojisola Meranda resigns as Speaker and is re-elected Deputy Speaker. Mudashiru Obasa returns as Speaker after his removal in January.

In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, the Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed a whirlwind of resignations and leadership changes, beginning with the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Assembly. Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, made her resignation public during a plenary session, prompting an immediate re-election of her as the Deputy Speaker. The lawmakers praised her leadership, citing her role in bringing stability and peace to the Assembly, and commended her for adhering to the rules of the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite the ongoing political turmoil.

Meranda’s resignation followed a reported meeting with APC leaders aimed at resolving the ongoing leadership crisis that had plagued the Assembly for weeks. This move was seen as part of a broader effort to navigate the tension between factions within the House. Shortly after her resignation, Mudashiru Obasa, who had been ousted from his position as Speaker in January, was re-elected to the role. Obasa, representing Agege Constituency I, had previously served as Speaker since 2015 before being removed amid allegations of misconduct. His return came after a nomination by former Majority Leader Noheem Adams.

Further reshuffling followed with the resignation of Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai, who was immediately re-elected as the Chief Whip, and Setonji David, the Chief Whip, who resigned and was re-elected as Deputy Chief Whip. These resignations come after weeks of turmoil, which started in mid-January when Obasa was removed, and tensions escalated with security confrontations at the Assembly. The leadership battle intensified when Obasa returned to the Assembly on February 27, claiming he was still the Speaker, despite being ousted by 36 loyal lawmakers.