The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has dismissed reports that she has resigned from her position.
Meranda’s Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, refuted the claim on Wednesday, stating that the Speaker remains in office.
“I’m in the office. The Speaker is in the office. I don’t know where that is coming from,” Ajiboye told journalist.
The rumour began after an online report suggested that Meranda had stepped down. A letter dated February 17, 2025, also circulated on social media, claiming she had resigned. However, checks showed that the letter was unsigned.
The Lagos Assembly has been in crisis since former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was removed by a majority of lawmakers. Meranda was elected as his replacement on January 13, but Obasa rejected his removal and took the matter to court, insisting he remains the Speaker.
Tensions worsened on Monday when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police stormed the assembly, sealing off the offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Clerk. Security operatives reportedly blocked Meranda from entering her office for over an hour.
Lawmakers and assembly staff gathered in protest, chanting support for Meranda. At one point, DSS operatives attempted to enter the chamber, leading to a confrontation with some legislative workers.
During plenary, lawmakers strongly condemned the security presence, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene. Assembly spokesperson, Stephen Ogundipe, described the incident as a “rape on democracy.”
Kazeem Osho, representing Mushin 2, was reportedly rushed to the hospital after experiencing distress during the standoff.
Hon. Sabur Oluwa of Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2 criticized the security action, saying, “We are elected by the people to serve their interests. If we believe our Speaker is not serving those interests, we have the right to elect another. This should not be met with harassment. This is democracy.”
Gbolahan Ogunleye of Ikorodu 1 also condemned the situation, urging the DSS to investigate the matter.
To put an end to speculation about Meranda’s resignation, the assembly passed a vote of confidence in her leadership. The motion was moved by Oladipo Ajomale of Oshodi-Isolo constituency 2 and seconded by Ogunleye.
Following this, Majority Leader Temitope Adewale moved a motion to adjourn plenary indefinitely, which was approved by the lawmakers.
