Indications have emerged that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, is prepared to step down from her position—but only if the process takes place during a plenary session, sources have revealed.
The Assembly had adjourned indefinitely on Monday, February 17, after 36 out of its 40 members passed a vote of confidence in Meranda’s leadership.
However, following interventions from key figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC), an agreement was reportedly reached for her to resign, allowing Lagos West to produce the next Speaker.
According to multiple sources, while Meranda has accepted the decision, she insists that her resignation must follow due legislative procedure.
One source stated: “If the Speaker would agree to resign, it has to be done during plenary when the House reconvenes. There are procedures for doing things like that. Madam Speaker cannot just resign like that without due process. It has to be during plenary, and until plenary is reconvened, we cannot say otherwise. We cannot say when the House will reconvene, therefore, the status quo remains.”
It was also gathered that Meranda might be offered her previous position as Deputy Speaker after stepping down.
Efforts to restore stability in the Assembly have intensified, with APC delegates from Abuja stepping in to mediate.
The intervention team includes prominent figures such as former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Pius Akinyelure.
A source close to the matter disclosed: “They are doing everything within their power to ensure there is peace in the Assembly.”
Over the weekend, key figures met with House principal officers and members, with a follow-up meeting expected soon. Additionally, the Abuja delegates have been engaging with other stakeholders in ongoing efforts to restore harmony.
Race for the Speakership: Lagos West Set to Take Over
Meanwhile, the Speakership is expected to be zoned to Lagos West, with eight lawmakers reportedly shortlisted as potential candidates.
Those under consideration include:
Setonji David (Badagry Constituency 2)
Temitope Adewale (Ifako-Ijaiye 1)
Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1)
Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja 2)
Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1)
Wale Rauf Sulaimon (Mushin Constituency 2)
Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency 1)
Surajudeen Tijani (Ojo 2)
With the leadership crisis nearing resolution, all eyes are now on when the Assembly will reconvene for plenary, setting the stage for the anticipated leadership transition.
