The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Meranda, may step down, potentially making way for David Setonji or Wale Rauf to assume the role.
This follows intervention efforts by key political figures, including former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the NNPC Limited Board.
Meranda made history as the first female Speaker on January 13, following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who was accused of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness. However, Obasa has challenged his removal in court, claiming due process was not followed.
Sources indicate that political stakeholders met with House members over the weekend, with another meeting expected soon. Speculation suggests that Meranda may return to her former role as Deputy Speaker, while either Setonji (Badagry 2) or Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—both from Lagos West—could be the next Speaker.
Setonji, the House Chief Whip, has been a lawmaker since 2015, while Rauf joined in 2019. The push for a Lagos West Speaker stems from a need for regional balance, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Meranda both hail from Lagos Central, leaving Lagos West without a top leadership position.
Despite this, 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda on February 17, supporting her continued leadership. However, the House has adjourned indefinitely, allowing room for further negotiations.
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