In a dramatic twist, the Lagos State House of Assembly is bracing for a potential change in leadership as Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s tenure hangs in the balance. Amidst intense lobbying and backroom negotiations, two prominent lawmakers, Setonji and Rauf, are positioning themselves to succeed Meranda, sparking a high-stakes power struggle that could reshape the assembly’s dynamics and influence the state’s legislative agenda.

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda, is rumored to be considering stepping down from her position. This could potentially open the door for either Mr. David Setonji or Mr. Wale Rauf to take on the role of Speaker.

This potential change in leadership comes after interventions by influential politicians, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the NNPC Board.

Princess Mojisola Meranda’s historic appointment as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on January 13th is now in question. She assumed the position after Mudashiru Obasa was removed due to allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness.

1 However, Obasa is contesting his removal in court, claiming it did not follow due process. 2 Over the weekend, prominent political figures met with principal officers and House members regarding the situation, with another meeting planned for the near future.

Rumors suggest that Princess Mojisola Meranda may be asked to step down from her position as Speaker and return to her previous role as Deputy Speaker. In this scenario, either David Setonji (representing Badagry 2) or Wale Rauf (representing Amuwo Odofin 2), both lawmakers from Lagos West, could become the new Speaker. Setonji, the current Chief Whip, has served in the House since 2015, while Rauf has been a member since 2019.

This potential leadership change appears to be driven by the desire for balanced regional representation within the state government. With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Mojisola Meranda both hailing from Lagos Central, Lagos West is currently unrepresented in the top leadership positions.

Since the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, is from Lagos West, stakeholders have advocated for his replacement to also come from that district. Despite this, on Monday, February 17th, 36 of the 40 lawmakers expressed their continued support for Meranda with a vote of confidence. However, the House has adjourned indefinitely, leaving the situation open for further negotiation and development.