The Lagos State House of Assembly has elected new principal officers following recent leadership changes.
The announcement was made by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, during the plenary session on Friday.
This development comes in the wake of the dissolution of all principal positions and standing committees of the House after the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker on Monday.
Addressing journalists on behalf of his colleagues after the impeachment, Abiodun Tobun, who represents Epe Constituency 1, described the decision to remove Obasa as unanimous.
Tobun explained that the House had endured enough of Obasa’s leadership, adding that all principal positions and standing committees of the Assembly were dissolved as part of the restructuring.
“It is only death that is constant, so change is inevitable. Members of the parliament today have decided to change the leadership of the House. The Constitution makes it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings,” Tobun said.
He added, “The members of the House felt we had had enough of the leadership of Mudashiru Obasa. We unanimously agreed that Hon. Mojisola Meranda would become the new Speaker and Hon. Fatai Adebola would be the Deputy Speaker. It was a resolution concurred by all members of the parliament. As we speak, all principal positions and standing committees of the House have been dissolved.
“The House has resolved to work together to move the parliament to the next level. We cannot sit back and watch the parliament fall into ruin. We owe our constituencies and Lagos State the duty of restoring the sanctity and integrity of this House. That is why we have taken this action—to save our image and our state.”
The new appointments are as follows: Hon. Temitope Adedeji, representing Ifako Ijaye 1 Constituency, as Majority Leader; Hon. Richard Kasumu, representing Ikeja 2 Constituency, as Deputy Majority Leader; Hon. David Setonji, representing Badagry 2 Constituency, as Chief Whip; and Hon. Semiu Okanlawon, representing Kosofe Constituency 1, as Deputy Chief Whip.
In her remarks during the plenary session, the Speaker made a commitment to collaborative governance with the state government.
Addressing members of the Assembly, guests, staff, and Lagosians, she expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her and outlined her vision for a unified and effective government.
The Speaker emphasised the need to work collectively for the betterment of Lagos State. “We are the guardians of the collective trust of Lagosians. Our administration will focus on working together for a better Lagos, ensuring every resident—irrespective of gender, education, religion, or ethnicity—is proud to say, ‘I am a Lagosian,’” she said.
Meranda stressed the importance of synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government and underscored the necessity of open communication and mutual respect to align legislative actions with the state’s developmental vision.
“Our legislative actions must align with the executive’s vision for a better Lagos. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, we can leave the stage far better than we met it,” she affirmed.
