In a dramatic turn of events, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda, may be on the verge of stepping down, paving the way for either Mr. David Setonji or Mr. Wale Rauf to assume the coveted position. This revelation was made public through Vanguard Newspaper’s official X handle, igniting intense political speculation.
The looming shake-up follows behind-the-scenes power moves spearheaded by influential 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. These seasoned politicians have reportedly stepped in to resolve internal party tensions that have placed the Lagos Assembly in a state of uncertainty.
Meranda made history on January 13 as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly after the controversial removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted amid allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness. However, Obasa has since challenged his impeachment in court, arguing that due process was ignored in what he describes as a politically motivated ambush.
Despite her landmark achievement, Meranda’s position remains precarious. Insiders disclose that key political figures convened an initial meeting with principal officers and House members over the weekend, with another crucial session anticipated in the coming days. Speculation is rife that she may be asked to revert 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)—emerges as the new Speaker.
The battle for the Speakership is believed to be heavily influenced by regional balancing within Lagos State’s leadership structure. With both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Mojisola Meranda hailing from Lagos Central, there is a growing push to restore Lagos West’s representation at the top. Given that Obasa was from Lagos West, political stakeholders are pushing for his replacement to come from the same zone, a move seen as an attempt to maintain regional equilibrium in state leadership.
Among the two leading contenders:
David Setonji, currently the Chief Whip of the House, has been a lawmaker since 2015 and is considered a seasoned legislator with deep ties in the Assembly.
Wale Rauf, a relatively newer face, joined the House in 2019 and is also a strong candidate for the role.
Despite the mounting pressure, Meranda still enjoys significant backing within the Assembly. On Monday, February 17, 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her leadership, signaling internal divisions over the push for her removal. However, with the House adjourning sittings indefinitely, many believe this move is a strategic pause to allow room for more political maneuvering behind closed doors.
As the power play unfolds, the fate of Princess Mojisola Meranda remains uncertain. Will she succumb to the pressure and step aside, or will she defy the odds and retain her position? Lagos’ political landscape is on edge, and the coming days will determine the next chapter in this unfolding saga.
PIONEER NEWS 