Luxury or Loot? N5bn Vehicle Controversy Tears Lagos Assembly Apart

The crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly appears to be deepening amid allegations surrounding the controversial purchase of N5 billion worth of vehicles for 40 lawmakers. The dispute has further strained relations between the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda.

Reports indicate that Meranda facilitated the procurement of 39 vehicles during her tenure as Speaker, following Obasa’s removal. However, sources reveal that Obasa had initially approved N7 billion for the same purpose in December 2024 before his ouster on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of the 40 lawmakers over accusations of highhandedness and financial mismanagement.

Meranda presided over the Assembly for 49 days before resigning on March 3. Insiders claim that Obasa is challenging the vehicle purchase, asserting that it was done without his authorization. His original plan reportedly involved sourcing the vehicles from Dubai through a preferred bidder.

“He had approved the funds before his removal, but Meranda proceeded with the procurement, which angered Obasa,” a source disclosed.

Another source clarified, “Obasa approved the purchase in December, intending for the vehicles to be bought from Dubai. However, when Meranda took over, she opted for an open bidding process, and the vehicles were sourced locally instead. The funds weren’t misappropriated; the only difference was the procurement process.”

Meanwhile, a source close to Meranda defended her actions, stating that she saved N2 billion by purchasing 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven Toyota Land Cruiser 2025 models for N5 billion instead of the N7 billion initially allocated.

“Let it be clear that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never withdrew any funds from the Lagos Assembly’s account. She merely revised an existing procurement plan to reduce costs,” the source added.