- Lawmakers debunk alleged defection of 27 members to LP
The speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has denied reports claiming she resigned from her position.
Speculation about Meranda’s resignation began after an online report suggested she had stepped down.
A circular dated February 17, 2025, purportedly issued by the speaker, has also been widely shared on social media.
However, her Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, refuted the claim on Wednesday.
“I’m in the office. The Speaker is in the office. I don’t know where that is coming from,” Ajiboye said.
Lawmakers debunk alleged defection of 27 members to Labour Party
The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed reports claiming that 27 of its members are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party.
In a statement, released on Wednesday and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, the Assembly described the report as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”
“We find this report not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods that serve no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State,” the statement read.
The Assembly clarified that the recent leadership change, which saw the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker and the election of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as his replacement, was purely an internal affair conducted in line with constitutional provisions.
“These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasize, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection,” Ogundipe stated.
He assured party leaders and supporters that the ruling party remains united and committed to fulfilling its mandate.
He also condemned the spread of what he termed “falsehoods” by individuals seeking to destabilise the Assembly.
Ogundipe further called on the media to uphold journalistic ethics by verifying information before publication to prevent the spread of misleading reports.
The statement noted that any internal disagreements within the House would be resolved through democratic means, reiterating that there is no crisis warranting defection.
Tensions were high at the assembly complex on Monday as security was beefed up ahead of plenary.
Police officers and task force personnel were stationed within and outside the premises, amid reports that the speaker’s office had been sealed.
In response to the rumours, lawmakers moved to affirm their support for Meranda’s leadership.
Oladipo Ajomale, representing Oshodi-Isolo constituency 2, introduced a motion during plenary, and the house passed a vote of confidence in her.
Meanwhile, Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted speaker, has refused to accept his removal, insisting that due process was not followed and declaring himself the legitimate speaker of the house.
