Lagos, Nigeria– The zoning arrangement for the Lagos State House of Assembly speakership has further fuelled the ongoing crisis, with recent indications suggesting that the position has been zoned to Lagos West.
Political leaders from the region have been pushing for a fair balance of power, arguing that with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailing from Lagos Central, it is only justifiable for the next Speaker to emerge from Lagos West or Lagos East to maintain regional equity. Consequently, pressure is mounting within the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and Abuja for Speaker Mojisola Meranda to step down.
A reliable source told New Daily Prime:
“If the Speaker agrees to resign, it must be done during a plenary session when the House reconvenes.”
As of February 26, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly remains adjourned indefinitely due to unresolved internal conflicts and security interventions. The last session saw 36 lawmakers passing a vote of confidence in Speaker Mojisola Meranda, highlighting the deep divide within the Assembly.
Why Lagos West?
Lagos West is the largest senatorial district in Lagos State in terms of landmass and population, covering key economic and political hubs such as Alimosho, Agege, Ikeja, Ojo, Badagry, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Mushin. Stakeholders argue that since former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was from Lagos West, the new Speaker should also emerge from the district to ensure stability and continuity.
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Former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa remains adamant in challenging his removal through legal means. However, sources within the APC told New Daily Prime that contrary to speculations, Obasa is unlikely to be reinstated as Speaker.
Meanwhile, eight lawmakers from Lagos West have been shortlisted as potential candidates to assume the Speakership role. They include:
- Setonji David – Badagry Constituency 2
- Temitope Adewale – Ifako-Ijaiye 1 Constituency
- Kehinde Joseph – Alimosho 1
- Adedamola Kasunmu – Ikeja 2
- Lukman Olumoh – Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1
- Wale Rauf Sulaimon – Mushin Constituency 2
- Nureni Akinsanya – Mushin Constituency 1
- Surajudeen Tijani – Ojo 2
Amidst rising political tensions, key APC figures have intervened to broker peace and prevent further escalation. A source disclosed that senior party leaders, including former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and NNPC Board Chairman Pius Akinyelure, have stepped in to mediate.
Additionally, federal delegates from Abuja have reportedly held multiple meetings with Assembly members and other stakeholders in a bid to restore stability.
“They are doing everything within their power to ensure peace returns to the Assembly,” the source added.
As the crisis drags on, political analysts believe that the APC leadership at the state and federal levels will ultimately determine the next Speaker. With the Assembly still adjourned indefinitely, Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s future remains uncertain.
While there is intensified pressure for her resignation, the final decision on whether Lagos West or another region produces the next Speaker will significantly shape the political landscape of Lagos State ahead of the 2027 elections.
