Meet Mojisola Meranda, the 1st female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly

Mudashiru Obasa’s decade-long reign as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly came to a swift and decisive end on Monday, January 13. The move, which had been building for some time, caught many by surprise as lawmakers, without any dissent, voted to remove Obasa, who had served as the third highest-ranking official in the state for ten years. The decision, executed on the floor where Obasa’s career began, marks a turning point in Lagos politics.

The process was quick, calculated, and unanimous, leaving no room for resistance. Even as protests erupted outside the assembly complex, with youths attempting to voice their opposition, law enforcement quickly stepped in, arresting the demonstrators and allegedly forcing them to pledge loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC). As one political titan fell, a new star emerged—Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, was elected to take Obasa’s place, becoming the first female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly since its inception in 1999.

Mojisola Meranda, now the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is a figure of history, determination, and royal heritage. Born on August 16, 1980, as Mojisola Ojora Lawal, she comes from a lineage of prominent royalty in Lagos. Her father, Taoreed Lawal-Akapo, was the late Ojora of Lagos, and her mother, Princess Muinat, hailed from the Oniru royal family. Mojisola’s brother, Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, is the current Oniru of Iru. With this royal bloodline, Meranda’s political journey was almost inevitable, given the deep roots her family has in Lagos’ political and cultural life.

From a young age, Meranda was immersed in the political landscape. “I grew up in a political arena. I had siblings who were into politics, and I used to sit and listen to them, learning and gradually picking up the interest,” she shared in a 2013 interview with Nigerian Tribune. Her passion for service blossomed early, as she realized that entering politics would provide a platform to influence and uplift her community.

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Her entry into politics began at just 18, when she attended ward meetings alongside her brothers and cousins. Though she often listened more than spoke in her early days, her commitment to her community and her growing political acumen set her on a course for greatness.

Meranda’s early dreams of becoming a lawyer were sidelined when she did not meet the entry requirements for law school. Instead, she pursued a diploma course in software development, which added a unique technical edge to her skill set. However, it was her passion for public service that guided her next steps in life.

In 2003, at the age of 23, Meranda began her political career as a personal assistant to Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, a senior special assistant to then-Governor Bola Tinubu. This marked the beginning of her professional political journey. From there, she moved on to roles in local governance, including becoming the Senior Special Assistant on Inter-Government Relations to Ayodeji Joseph, Chairman of Apapa LGA, and later serving as the Supervisory Councillor for Health.

Meranda’s political trajectory continued to rise. She was elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015, representing the Apapa I constituency. At just 34 years old, she was one of only four women in the 40-member House. Her hard work and leadership quickly earned her the position of Chief Whip in 2019, and by the following year, she was appointed Deputy Speaker.

Her approach to politics has always been pragmatic. When asked about the bills she sponsored, Meranda explained her focus on revising outdated laws rather than constantly introducing new ones. “We have a lot of old laws that need repeal and amendment,” she said in 2021. “It’s not just about passing new bills but ensuring that our laws are relevant and enforced.”

Now, as the first female speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Meranda’s leadership represents a new chapter in the state’s political history. Her ascent to this powerful position not only breaks gender barriers but also promises a fresh perspective in a legislature that has long been dominated by men.