The Lagos State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a speakership crisis, but a resolution may be on the horizon. The impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, may be stepping aside to allow another lawmaker to lead the House.¹
This development comes after the intervention of high-ranking officials in the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former governors of Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states. The APC bigwigs, led by Chief Bisi Akande, have been working to resolve the crisis, which began on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers removed Obasa as speaker and replaced him with Meranda.
The Akande panel, tasked with finding a solution to the crisis, has shortlisted seven potential candidates to replace Meranda as speaker. The panel’s decision is seen as a significant step towards resolving the crisis and restoring stability to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The speakership crisis has been marked by controversy, with Obasa insisting that he is still the rightful speaker despite his impeachment. However, the majority of lawmakers have recognized Meranda as the current speaker.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has been working on several important bills, including a proposed law to replace the current 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) with Administrative Areas. The bill, which has undergone public hearings, aims to consolidate all laws on local government administration and provide for more effective governance at the local level.²
As the Akande panel’s decision is awaited, lawmakers and stakeholders are hopeful that the crisis will be resolved soon. The Lagos State House of Assembly is expected to continue its work on important legislation, including the proposed law on local government administration.
In related news, the Lagos State Government has been working to strengthen its relationship with local governments. The state government has announced plans to conduct elections into the 20 local government councils in the state, as specified in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
The development is seen as a significant step towards promoting democracy and good governance at the local level. The Lagos State Government has assured stakeholders that the elections will be free, fair, and transparent.
As the Lagos State House of Assembly continues to navigate the speakership crisis, stakeholders are hopeful that the Akande panel’s decision will bring a resolution to the crisis. The assembly’s work on important legislation, including the proposed law on local government administration, is expected to continue uninterrupted.
