Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday received the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, and other principal officers of the Assembly at his office in Alausa, Ikeja.
The governor pledged to maintain a harmonious working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Accompanied by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu warmly welcomed the Speaker and her delegation shortly before the weekly State Executive Council meeting.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to sustaining effective cooperation to advance governance in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of collaboration in governance.
“This alignment between the Executive and Legislative arms ensures that Lagos remains a model of excellence in governance,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He emphasized the shared commitment to building on past successes and advancing the state’s development agenda.
“We will work tirelessly to deliver transformational progress across all sectors and implement policies and projects that deliver on our Greater Lagos vision.” he added.
The Speaker and her team also pledged their dedication to maintaining a constructive partnership with the executive council.
The principal officers present at the meeting included Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai (Ibeju-Lekki State Constituency 1); Majority Leader Temitope Adedeji (Ifako Ijaiye 1); Deputy Majority Leader Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja 2); Chief Whip, David Setonji (Badagry 2); and Deputy Chief Whip Sanni Babatunde (Kosofe 1).
The meeting followed the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, which unfolded on Monday, January 13, 2025, while he was reportedly in the United States.
Lawmakers accused the sixth-term legislator of gross misconduct, including allegations of misappropriation of funds, high-handedness, and a lack of transparency in managing the Assembly’s affairs.
Femi Saheed, representing Kosofe Constituency II, moved the motion for Obasa’s removal, citing Section 92(2)(C) of the 1999 Constitution.
“The Speaker’s perpetual lateness, high-handedness, and intimidation of members were unacceptable,” Saheed alleged. The motion was seconded by Aro Moshood Abiodun of Ikorodu II.
Thirty-two out of 40 lawmakers supported the impeachment through a voice vote, sparking jubilation within the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, reportedly made a quiet return to Abuja Sunday evening, fueling speculation about his desperate bid for reconciliation and a political lifeline.
Sources at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport confirmed that Obasa arrived under the cover of darkness, without the usual entourage of aides or security detail that once accompanied him during his tenure as the third most powerful figure in Lagos politics.
Obasa’s arrival in the nation’s capital comes on the heels of a failed attempt to meet with President Bola Tinubu in the United Arab Emirates.
The ex-Speaker was reportedly hoping for an audience with the President to salvage his political future.
