On January 13, 2025, residents of Lagos awoke to the exciting news that Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, a well-known figure in Lagos politics, had been elected as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This historic election made her the first woman ever to hold this prestigious position.
Her rise to the position of Speaker followed a series of dramatic events. According to the Lagos State Assembly, her predecessor, former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, was impeached due to allegations of abuse of office and financial misconduct. Notably, he was accused of spending a staggering ₦43 billion on lawmakers’ vehicles. The motion for his impeachment, raised by Hon. Femi Saheed, received unanimous support from 32 out of the 40 Assembly members. Meranda has made history as the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
Mojisola Meranda, 44, was born on August 16, 1980, into Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru royal families. Her father, the late Chief T.A. Lawal Akapo, was not only a legislator but also the esteemed Ojora of Lagos. Her brother, Oba AbdulWasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, currently serves as the Oniru of Iru land.
After attending Randle Primary School, Lagos Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School, Meranda pursued higher education at Lagos State University, earning a Public Administration degree in 2013. Later, she obtained an advanced certificate in software development.
Meranda’s political career began at the grassroots level, working in Apapa Local Government. She proved her mettle and moved from Senior Special Assistant on Intergovernmental Affairs to Supervisory Councillor for Health. By 2015, she stepped into state-level politics, representing Apapa Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
During the 9th Assembly, Meranda, serving as Chief Whip, demonstrated her willingness to make tough decisions. She introduced amendments to outdated laws, championed medical outreach programs, and initiated projects to support petty traders, widows, and mechanics in her constituency. In 2013, she was appointed Deputy Speaker.
Mojisola Meranda is passionately committed to women’s empowerment. “Women possess the same capabilities as men in leadership roles,” she frequently asserts, challenging stereotypes and advocating for greater female representation in Nigerian politics.
As Speaker, Meranda has the significant responsibility of guiding the Lagos State House of Assembly toward effective legislation. She will likely continue to adhere to her established principles. Given her history of resilience and strategic thinking, many believe she is well-equipped to succeed in this role.
