The Interview Editors
The new Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has resigned from office, less than two months after she was elected as speaker.
Meranda announced her resignation at the plenary on Monday in Ikeja.
Meranda, became the first female speaker after Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, the former speaker, was impeached by his colleagues for alleged misconduct.
The impeachment of Obasa and subsequent election of Meranda had plunged the State Assembly in crisis.
Obasa returned to the Assembly complex last Thursday for the first time since he was impeached in January, claiming he was never removed.
He had also challenged his impeachment in court before then.
Earlier on Monday, Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, the All Progressives Congress(APC) Chairman in the state, met with Meranda and Obasa on how to put an end to the festering crisis.
Both pro-Obasa lawmakers and those who had pledged support for Meranda attended the meeting.
Announcing her resignation, Meranda said she was not a quilter,but took the decision to end the crisis in the House and save the Assembly embarrassment.
She said, It is with every sense of responsibility that I hereby give you notice of my decision to resign as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly with effect from today, 3rd of March, 2025.
“I did not arrive at this decision lightly, Indeed, I took into careful consideration all the integral circumstances that related with my election as Speaker on Jan. 13 2025.
“I have to make this selfless sacrifice to resign in order to protect this institution. With your unflinching support.
“I made history as the first female Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly and I value and cherish the solidarity freely given to me.
“I am not a quitter, however, I took the decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflicts and embarrassment,” she said.
“I am entranced by the dialogue of personal messages, phone calls, public shows of support and groundswell of solidarity from a broad spectrum of our society.”
Meranda said the nation was blessed with great men and women of honour, adding that it was her earnest hope that the leadership of the great party would continue to provide guidance and support for the aspiration of the people.
She thanked the people of Lagos for their understanding and support.
Shortly after the announcement lawmakers took turns to praise Meranda for her leadership role for the 49 days of her speakership.
The lawmakers described Meranda as a hero of democracy.
