The Lagos State House of Assembly is on the brink of a leadership shake-up, as Speaker Princess Mojisola Meranda may soon vacate her position, potentially paving the way for either Mr. David Setonji or Mr. Wale Rauf to take the helm.
This follows high-level interventions by political heavyweights, including former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the Board at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Meranda, who made history on January 13 as the first female Speaker after Mudashiru Obasa’s controversial removal, now faces mounting pressure amid ongoing power realignments. Obasa, ousted over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, has since challenged his removal in court, citing procedural irregularities.
Sources confirm that top political stakeholders met with key House members over the weekend, with further discussions expected. Insiders suggest Meranda may be asked to revert to her former role as Deputy Speaker, while one of the two lawmakers from Lagos West—Setonji (Badagry 2) or Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—could ascend to the Speaker’s seat.
The push for a Lagos West candidate stems from a desire for balanced regional representation, as both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda hail from Lagos Central, leaving Lagos West without a major leadership position.
David Setonji, the current Chief Whip and a legislator since 2015, is seen as a frontrunner, while Wale Rauf, who joined the House in 2019, remains a strong contender.
Despite the uncertainty, Meranda still commands significant support. On February 17, 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her leadership. Yet, with the House adjourning indefinitely, the political landscape remains fluid, leaving the door open for further negotiations and potential shifts in power.
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