The 49-Day Reign of Mojisola Meranda Ends as Mudashiru Obasa Returns as Speaker

The Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed a dramatic political shift as Mojisola Meranda’s brief 49-day tenure as Speaker came to an end on Monday, paving the way for the return of Mudashiru Obasa. The leadership change follows intense mediation efforts by a panel led by former Osun and Ogun State governors, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, who were tasked by President Bola Tinubu with resolving the crisis that had gripped the Assembly since January 13, 2025.

The Crisis That Led to Obasa’s Removal

Obasa was removed from his position while he was in the United States, with Meranda, his then-deputy, taking over as Speaker. However, Obasa fiercely opposed the move and pursued legal action to challenge his removal. The crisis escalated, drawing the intervention of key figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

On Monday, in a significant political recalibration, the lawmakers reconvened, leading to Meranda’s resignation alongside other principal officers elected under her leadership, including Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and Chief Whip Okanlawon Sani. Before the plenary session where Meranda stepped down, she and other lawmakers had met with the APC state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, and Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), to finalize the resolution.

Meranda’s Emotional Resignation

In her resignation speech, Meranda emphasized that her decision was in the interest of democracy and to prevent further crises within the Assembly.

“I wish to let every one of you know that I have made a personal sacrifice towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she stated.

Meranda acknowledged her family’s legacy in promoting democracy and assured that her decision was not out of weakness but to uphold the integrity of the Assembly.

“I took this decision carefully and with firm consideration. On one hand, I accepted the position of Speaker on January 13, 2025, and on the other hand, I resigned the position as it is threatening the democracy of this House. I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.”

She concluded by reaffirming her loyalty to the party, stating, “The party is supreme.”

Obasa Returns Amid Uncertainty Over His Future

Following his re-election, Obasa assured Lagosians that the House would focus on enacting laws for the progress of the state. He expressed gratitude to Akande, Osoba, and other stakeholders for their intervention.

“We want to assure Lagosians that we are determined to serve and protect their interests always. What is happening here today shows that the Lagos State House of Assembly is capable and is a House of integrity. It is a House that has an internal mechanism to resolve issues in the interest of the institution and our party,” Obasa said.

However, questions remain over whether Obasa will abide by the earlier resolution proposed by the mediating panel, which suggested that he, too, should resign after his re-election to allow for a fresh leadership transition. While some APC sources indicated that Obasa’s resignation was initially part of the peace deal, recent comments from party officials suggest that he may remain in power indefinitely.

Chief Muraina Taiwo, a GAC member, stated, “The whole party is in support [of Obasa’s return]. You can see the resignation address of the former Speaker. She did it wholeheartedly and she abided by the decision of the party.”

When asked about the possibility of Obasa stepping down, Muraina said, “That is his own personal decision. If he chooses to resign tomorrow, fine; if he insists on staying on the seat, it’s left to him.”

Legal Battles and Ongoing Tensions

A significant question mark remains over the lawsuit filed by Obasa challenging his removal. His legal counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), stated that Obasa has yet to decide whether to withdraw the suit. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has set March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.

“Withdrawing the case still has to be at his instance,” Fashanu said. “Just as you saw what transpired with respect to him coming back, he still has to formally brief us on what he wants us to do.”

Lawmakers Praise Meranda’s Leadership

Despite the turbulence, Meranda’s leadership was praised by her colleagues, who commended her selfless decision to step down.

“The entire chamber is in tears. You have restored the spirit of friendship, comradeship, and loyalty to this House,” lawmaker Temitope Adewale stated.

Another legislator, Tobun Abiodun, said, “You did very well, but as we know, we are politicians, and in politics, our party is supreme. Madam Speaker, I pray for you—may God Almighty be with you.”

Even actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot was visibly emotional and declined to speak during the session.

Tight Security at the Assembly Complex

Given the tensions surrounding the leadership tussle, security was significantly heightened at the Assembly complex. Operatives from the Lagos State Police Command, Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services were stationed around the premises. Journalists were denied entry until after 1 PM as strict screening measures were enforced.

The APC’s Official Position

In an official statement, the APC’s Lagos spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, congratulated Lagosians and the Assembly for reaching a peaceful resolution.

“As a truly democratic party, we refrained from needless interference in the affairs of the legislature, whose independence we hold in high esteem. However, when the conflict festered and defied all suggestions for settlement, we stepped in. Our role remained advisory, and the final decision was made within the House.”

The APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, reaffirmed that Obasa’s return was the current resolution, and there were no immediate plans for him to step down.

“That’s where we resolved it. We just want peace in the House generally,” Ojelabi said.

What Next for the Lagos Assembly?

While Obasa’s return marks the end of an intense leadership crisis, lingering questions remain about his future. Will he uphold the previous agreement and resign in due time, or will he consolidate power further? For now, the APC seems to have found a temporary fix, but the political dynamics in Lagos suggest that further developments may unfold in the coming weeks.

Prophetic Warnings Intensify: Prophet Kingsley Aitafo’s Alarming Revelations on the Vatican, Akpabio, and Others

Renowned seer, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, has once again ignited global concern with his prophetic warnings—many of which appear to be manifesting with chilling accuracy. His latest revelations have sent shockwaves through both the spiritual and political landscapes, raising urgent calls for prayer and divine intervention.

A Looming Vatican Shake-Up: Is the Pope’s Seat in Jeopardy?

In a dire prophecy, Prophet Aitafo forewarned that the seat of the Pope is about to be replaced, hinting at an imminent and possibly controversial shift within the Vatican. As whispers of internal tensions and unforeseen challenges grow, the world watches closely. Could the Catholic Church be on the brink of an unprecedented leadership crisis? The prophecy looms large, and the possibility of fulfillment appears more tangible than ever.

Akpabio and Natasha: A Political Showdown with Dire Consequences?

Prophet Aitafo also delivered a stern warning concerning Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging urgent prayers to avert disgrace. The prophecy now takes an even more dramatic turn as Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appear to be heading toward a fierce political confrontation. Tensions are escalating, with signs of a power struggle that could have far-reaching implications. Could this unfolding battle mark the beginning of a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape? With uncertainty thick in the air, the need for spiritual vigilance has never been more pressing.

Alakija: A Battle Over Sight and Health Concerns

Among the most alarming prophecies is the warning concerning billionaire businesswoman Folorunso Alakija, who has been cautioned about serious eyesight complications. Though details remain scarce, murmurs of health concerns are surfacing, raising questions about the gravity of the prophecy. Could this be a crucial moment for urgent medical attention and intercessory prayers? The urgency surrounding her well-being continues to grow, and those close to her are being urged to take swift action.

Urgent Calls for Divine Intervention

With these prophecies seemingly coming to pass at an alarming rate, followers of Prophet Aitafo are calling for immediate spiritual action. Whether in political upheavals, leadership transitions, or personal afflictions, the accuracy of his revelations continues to unsettle both religious and secular communities alike.

As events unfold, will the world bear witness to the full manifestation of these divine warnings? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Prophet Kingsley Aitafo’s visions are demanding global attention like never before.

APC NEC Meeting:
President Tinubu respects Hon. Omorede’s stance on NWC membership

Not all members and even chieftains of a ruling party have the listening ears of a siting President who happens to be the leader of the party. But, amazingly, Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave a listening ear to Lady Omorede Osifo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Treasurer who weathered the storm and ignored all challenges from the male-dominated National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting which held in Abuja to ask the president as leader of the party to increase the number of National Deputies in the National Working Committee (NWC) from five to ten.

After her contributions on the floor of the NEC meeting, President Bola Tinubu appraised the insipiring leadership of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje whom the president passed a vote of confidence on. Mr. President also called on APC executives to take a critical look into the constitution of the party in order to expand the NWC as well as NEC of the party to accomodate more members.

After deliberations of matters on the agenda of the NEC Meeting, Lady Omorede Osifo, a distinguished heroine of Edo state amazingly blessed with beauty, brain and brawn, stood up gallantly, taking her turn to urge the President, the National Chairman and other executive members to look into involving five more National Deputies to the NWC.

Lady Omorede Osifo is a very hardworking, focussed and loyal chieftain of the APC who has contributed her sterling quotas to the expansive growth of the party, participating in the political and democratic philosophies of the ruling party and ably representing the womenfolk at the top echelon of Nigeria’s politics.

Her agitation paved the way for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set up a committee headed by the executive governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Mala Buni to thoroughly scrutinize and verify the criteria for bringing new members into the NWC. This portends the sterling qualities of Lady Omorede Osifo as been a selfless democrat. She believes all hands must be on deck to fashion out comprehensive unity and comradeship amongst all members of the party and their leaders.

Having proven her democratic mettle, Osifo was well supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a pragmatic and charismatic leader who encourages an all-round participation in the unity and progressiveness of the party while working concomittantly to actualize national growth.

President Tinubu, a very reliable and dependable leader has, since taken over the mantle of leading Africa’s largest population and world’s largest black nation. Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s progressive agenda towards restructuring the economy of Nigeria is gradually showing momentum. He remains the most humane civilian president Nigeria has ever experienced. Just like Tinubu, Lady Omorede Osifo is an epitome of genuine womanhood, sincere to the cause of her feminine gender while promoting the ideals of her party the All Progressives Congress.

An iron lady of the Niger Delta region, Omorede Osifo embodies dignity and integrity directed towards regional and national developments. She is so passionate about her party that she was in the fore- front during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidential electioneering campaigns. Lady Omorede Osifo over the years has contributed immensely to the transformation of women and the girl child, promoting education, health, investment, trade , Farming and other vital areas of human development in the country. As the Deputy National Treasurer of the country’s ruling party the APC, Lady Omorede Osifo also called the Lioness of Edo State Politics has been extremely instrumental to the successful turnarounds in the party which are directly impacting on Nigerians. She is a blessing to her generation and an icon worth emulating and celebrating.