The Lagos State House of Assembly has sworn in its first female Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, marking a historic moment in the state’s legislative history.
Her appointment comes following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Meranda, who represents the Apapa 1 state constituency, took her oath of office during a plenary session on Monday.
During her oath, Meranda pledged to uphold the Constitution and perform her duties with integrity. She stated, “I affirm that I will be faithful as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; that I will perform my functions honestly to the best of my ability, faithfully, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Meranda’s appointment follows the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who had held the position of Speaker for over a decade.
Obasa’s tenure had been fraught with controversy since 2020, when allegations emerged accusing him of operating over 60 bank accounts linked to his Bank Verification Number. These accounts, reportedly opened under various names and commercial banks, were allegedly used to divert public funds.
In the same year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission interrogated Obasa over allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement. However, he denied any wrongdoing.
Meranda’s emergence as Speaker is seen as a significant step for women in leadership roles within the state’s political landscape. Her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for the Lagos State House of Assembly.