The crisis of the Lagos State House of Assembly is getting more intense as the rumour surrounding the stepping down of Speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda is getting more wave and their is a suggestion that either of Mr. David Setonji or Mr. Wale Rauf may assume the role.
This particular development follows the intervention made by prominent political figures, 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 Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Meranda was appointed as speaker of Lagos Assembly on January 13th after the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who faced allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness, she made history as the first female speaker of the house.
However, the former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa has went ahead to challenged his removal in court, arguing that due process was not followed.
A reliable source reveal that the key political figures and stakeholders held a meeting with the principal officers and members of the Assembly over the weekend with another meeting to be conducted soon.
The speculation from the meeting was that Meranda may be asked to return to her former role as Deputy Speaker, while one of the two lawmakers from Lagos West—David Setonji (Badagry 2) or Wale Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—could become the next Speaker.
David Setonji is the current Chief Whip of the House and has served as a lawmaker since 2015 while Wale Rauf has been in the House since 2019.
This arrangement of speakership position is reportedly influenced by regional representation in state leadership.
Presently, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Mojisola Meranda are both from Lagos Central, which leaves Lagos West without a top leadership position.
This is Given after Obasa who hails from Lagos West was removed, stakeholders have recommended that the next Speaker be chosen from the district.
Despite these developments, 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda on Monday, February 17, affirming their support for her continued leadership.
However, the House of Assembly has adjourned sitting indefinitely, leaving room for further negotiations and political interventions.
