Princess Mojisola Meranda has agreed to resign as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, clearing the way for new leadership in the Assembly, The Witness reports.
However, The Witness gathered that the announcement of her resignation has been delayed as President Bola Tinubu is yet to choose from the list of potential replacements presented to him by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
Sources told this newspaper that the decision follows discussions and interventions from prominent political figures, including former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba.
Meranda stepped into the role after the removal of Mudashiru Obasa following allegations of corruption and abuse of office. However, Obasa has since challenged his removal in court.
Meranda’s resignation is expected to open the door for one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West to assume the position of Speaker, with the move seen as part of efforts to ensure balanced regional representation in the state’s leadership.
The seven lawmakers listed for the position are: Hon. Setonji Samuel David (Badagry 2), Hon. Temitope Adewale (Ifako-Ijaye 1), Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph (Alimosho 2), Hon. Richard Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja 2), Hon. Lukman Saad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1), Hon. Wale Rauf Age Sulaimon (Amuwo-Odofin 2), Hon. Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 1) and Hon. Surajudeen Tijani (Ojo 2).
This potential shift is reportedly influenced by the need for regional representation in the state leadership. With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda both hailing from Lagos Central, Lagos West is currently without a top leadership position. Given that Obasa is from Lagos West, stakeholders have recommended that the next Speaker be chosen from the district.
