Lagos Assembly: Meranda may resign as Speaker, with Setonji or Rauf likely to assume the position.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Meranda, may soon relinquish her position, thus opening the pathway for either Mr. David Setonji or Mr. Wale Rauf to ascend to the role.

This potential shift comes in the wake of mediation by notable political dignitaries, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Meranda made history on January 13 as the inaugural female Speaker of the House, succeeding Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted amid allegations of corruption, misuse of power, and autocratic governance. Nevertheless, Obasa has since contested his ousting in court, claiming procedural improprieties.

Insiders disclose that influential political figures convened with principal officers and House members over the weekend, with expectations of another meeting in the near future.

Speculation abounds that Meranda may be asked to revert to her prior role as Deputy Speaker, while one of the two legislators from Lagos West—David Setonji (Badagry 2) or Wale Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—could be appointed the forthcoming Speaker.

David Setonji, presently the Chief Whip of the House, has held his legislative seat since 2015.

Wale Rauf has served in the House since 2019.

This prospective arrangement is said to be influenced by considerations of regional balance in state leadership. Currently, both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Mojisola Meranda hail from Lagos Central, leaving Lagos West without a senior leadership role. As Obasa is from Lagos West, stakeholders have advocated for the next Speaker to be selected from this district.

Despite these unfolding events, 36 out of 40 lawmakers cast a vote of confidence in Meranda on Monday, February 17, expressing their endorsement of her continued stewardship. However, the House has adjourned indefinitely, allowing further room for negotiation.