The election of Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has sparked controversy within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly among members from Lagos West Senatorial District.
Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency 1 in Lagos Central, was elected Speaker following the removal of Mudasiru Ajayi Obasa on January 13, 2025. Obasa, who represented Agege Constituency 1 in Lagos West, was ousted while overseas amidst allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Critics from Lagos West, under the banner of the Progressives Alliance, have described Meranda’s election as a violation of fairness, accusing the APC of sidelining the zone, which holds 20 of the 40 Assembly seats. The group argued that Lagos West’s electoral strength and significant APC membership were disregarded in the decision.
In a statement, the group’s Secretary, Hon. Segun Banjo, said, “Our concern is not about Obasa’s removal but about the lawmakers’ failure to ensure fair representation by retaining the Speakership position within Lagos West.”
The group also expressed displeasure that the position went to Lagos Central, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also hails from, further exacerbating perceptions of unequal power distribution. “This decision disregards the principles of justice and fairness, especially considering the political weight Lagos West carries in the state,” the statement read.
Prominent APC leaders from Lagos West, including Alhaji Mutiu Aare, former Minister Musiliu Obanikoro, and others, were accused of failing to protect the zone’s interests during the leadership transition. The group described their actions as a betrayal of Lagos West’s political future, leaving the decision to the judgment of posterity.
