Lagos State witnessed a historic moment Monday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formally received newly appointed House of Assembly Speaker Mojisola Meranda, marking the first time a woman has held this powerful legislative position in Nigeria’s economic capital. The momentous meeting, which took place before the weekly State Executive Council gathering, signals a significant transition in Lagos politics following last week’s dramatic removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, welcomed Meranda and other principal officers at the governor’s office in Alausa, Ikeja. The meeting carries particular significance as it follows Obasa’s unexpected removal amid serious allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation, ending his long tenure as the Assembly’s leader.
The leadership change represents more than just a routine political transition. Meranda’s ascension to the speakership breaks new ground in Lagos State’s political landscape, where she has already begun making her mark. Her first sitting as Speaker on Friday demonstrated decisive leadership as she established new house leadership structures and formed a crucial seven-member Selection Committee.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of maintaining strong executive-legislative cooperation during the courtesy visit, highlighting his administration’s commitment to working collaboratively with the new leadership. The governor’s public statement on social media platform X underscored this commitment, noting that the alignment between executive and legislative branches remains crucial for maintaining Lagos’s position as a model of governance excellence.
The meeting’s timing and context reflect the delicate balance of power in Lagos State politics, coming just a week after the Assembly’s dramatic decision to remove Obasa from his position. The former speaker’s removal over allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety has added a layer of complexity to the transition, making the harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative branches even more crucial.
This change in legislative leadership comes at a critical time for Lagos State, as it continues to tackle numerous urban challenges while maintaining its position as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse. The successful integration of the new speaker and her team with the executive branch could prove crucial for implementing policies and projects that advance the state’s development agenda.
Meranda’s elevation to the speakership also represents a significant milestone for gender representation in Nigerian politics, particularly in key leadership positions. Her appointment as the first female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly could potentially inspire greater female participation in political leadership across the country.
The governor’s pledge to work harmoniously with the new speaker suggests a recognition of the need for stability and continuity in governance, despite the recent political upheaval. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to delivering transformational progress across all sectors, building on past successes while pushing forward with new initiatives.
During the meeting, both executive and legislative members reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining productive working relationships, recognizing that effective governance requires close cooperation between different branches of government. This spirit of collaboration will be essential as Lagos continues to pursue its “Greater Lagos” vision, encompassing various development projects and policy initiatives.
The transition marks a new chapter in Lagos State’s political history, with potential implications for both governance and gender representation in Nigerian politics. As Meranda begins her tenure as Speaker, her leadership will be closely watched for its impact on legislative processes and its influence on the broader political landscape.
The success of this new political arrangement will largely depend on how well both branches of government can maintain their promised harmonious relationship while effectively addressing the state’s numerous challenges and opportunities. As Lagos continues to evolve as Nigeria’s premier state, the cooperation between Governor Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda will play a crucial role in shaping its future development trajectory.