Lagos Assembly crisis: media exaggerating situation

Amid rumours circulating online about her resignation, Princess Mojisola Meranda, the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has firmly denied stepping down. In a statement released Tuesday, the Rt. Hon. Speaker reaffirmed her position, declaring that she remains in office and has no plans to resign.

Meranda, responding to the reports, emphasized that she is actively fulfilling her legislative responsibilities and dismissed claims of her departure as baseless. Her Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, also addressed the controversy, labelling the resignation rumours as “a lie from the pit of hell.”

“There is no truth in the story. I am doing my work as the CPS; the Speaker is in her office as we speak, and everybody is going about their business. We do not know where the story is coming from. The Speaker has not resigned, and there is no plan for that.”

The controversy gained traction following the circulation of a February 17, 2025, document, purportedly announcing Meranda’s resignation. However, investigations by the New Daily Prime revealed that the letter lacked an official signature and stamp. It featured only the Lagos State logo, with no official letterhead or insignia from the Lagos State House of Assembly, raising doubts about its authenticity.

New Allegations Against Former Lagos Speaker

In a new development, the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has been accused of storing illegal firearms in his office. According to sources, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly uncovered a cache of weapons, including 47 pump-action rifles and live cartridges, hidden within the former Speaker’s office space.

The allegations, which have made front-page news across several national newspapers, have further fuelled political tensions in Lagos. However, Obasa has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “laughable, ill-conceived, and a desperate attempt to tarnish his image.”

“This is nothing but an attempt at cheap blackmail. The case is already before the court, and I urge those spreading falsehoods to desist. The law will take its course,” Obasa stated.

The DSS has yet to officially confirm or release a statement regarding the alleged weapons discovery.

The political tension in Nigeria’s economic hub stems from a power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly. The crisis escalated following the January 13, 2025, removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, an ouster backed by 36 of the 40 Assembly lawmakers.

Obasa’s impeachment stemmed from allegations of gross misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office. His removal marked a major shift in Lagos State politics, as Mojisola Meranda, then Deputy Speaker, was unanimously elected to replace him—making history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.

However, Obasa has challenged the legitimacy of his impeachment, arguing that due process was not followed, particularly as the Assembly was reportedly in recess at the time of his removal. He has since filed a legal case, seeking an accelerated hearing to determine whether his removal was constitutional.

Amid the uncertainty, security tensions have escalated. The Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s intelligence agency, has reportedly sealed off the offices of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to prevent further unrest.

APC Chieftain’s Reaction

As the situation unfolds, our correspondent spoke via phone with Hon. Tunde Doherty, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom Chapter, who dismissed concerns that Lagos was in political turmoil.

“Lagos State remains a democratic state, and I am confident that this issue will be resolved amicably within the APC Lagos State Stakeholders and the House of Assembly. There is no crisis—what we are seeing is a situation being exaggerated by the media.”

Doherty, an influential figure within the APC’s global network, also serves as the Chairman of the APC Diaspora Committee, where he plays a pivotal role in coordinating APC chapters worldwide. His leadership has been endorsed by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Doherty-led executive in diaspora affairs.

The unfolding leadership battle in Lagos highlights a broader struggle within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). While Meranda remains at the helm, questions persist over how long she can withstand political pressure from factions still loyal to Obasa.

With court hearings imminent and lawmakers divided, Lagos State—the economic nerve centre of Africa’s largest economy—is at a pivotal moment in its political history. Whether the House of Assembly regains stability under Speaker Meranda or faces further upheaval remains to be seen.