Meranda now holds the distinction of being the first female speaker of the assembly.

However, her appointment sparked controversy. Recently, officers from the Department of State Security (DSS) and Nigeria Police stormed the House. They sealed the offices of Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk of the house.

If you haven’t heard of her, here are five things to know about Mojisola Meranda.

Early Life

Mojisola Meranda was born on August 16, 1980, into the Akapo family, a prominent family in Lagos.

Family Background

Meranda’s father, the late Chief Taoreed Lawal-Akapo, served as the Ojora of Lagos from 1977 to 1993. Her mother, Princess M.A. Lawal-Akapo, belongs to several royal families, including Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru.

Education

Meranda started her education at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School. She continued at Randle Primary School in Surulere from 1986 to 1992. She completed her secondary education at Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (1992–1996) and Ansar-ud-Deen Secondary School (1996–1998). In 2013, she earned a B.Sc. in Public Administration from Lagos State University.

Lagos Heritage

Meranda is deeply connected to Lagos. Her brother, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, is the current Oniru of Iru Land.

Political Career

At 44, Meranda is one of four women in the Lagos House of Assembly. She was first elected in 2015 after working in various capacities at the Apapa local government. She was re-elected in 2019 and 2023. Meranda’s political career began when she worked as a personal assistant to Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, a senior special assistant to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his tenure as Lagos State governor.

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Her emergence as the new leader follows the dramatic impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, a development that has captured the attention of the state’s political observers and citizens alike.

Representing Apapa Constituency I, Meranda brings a wealth of legislative experience to her new role. She has served in the Lagos State House of Assembly for three consecutive terms, beginning her tenure in 2015. Most recently, she held the position of Deputy Speaker in the 10th Assembly, a role in which she demonstrated strategic leadership and garnered widespread respect among her peers.

The decision to elevate Meranda comes in the wake of Obasa’s impeachment, a move triggered by allegations of financial misconduct and administrative lapses. While the specifics of the charges remain a point of contention, the assembly’s majority decision to remove him underscores a growing demand for transparency and reform within the legislative body. For many, the change in leadership symbolizes a fresh start and an opportunity to rebuild trust in the institution.

Meranda’s election marks a historic moment for the Lagos Assembly, as she steps into the role with a mandate to steer the legislative house towards greater efficiency and accountability. In her first address as Speaker, she expressed her gratitude for the confidence placed in her and reiterated her commitment to serving the people of Lagos. “This is a new chapter for our assembly, and together we will work to pass laws that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our citizens,” she declared.

Observers have noted that Meranda’s tenure is likely to focus on advancing policies that address the pressing challenges facing Lagos residents, from infrastructure development to education and public health. Her deep understanding of the legislative process, honed over nearly a decade in the assembly, positions her as a capable leader in navigating the complexities of governance in Nigeria’s most populous state.

Political analysts see this transition as both a reflection of internal party dynamics and a response to public expectations for more accountable leadership. The coming months will reveal how Meranda’s leadership reshapes the priorities and operations of the Lagos State House of Assembly, as well as how she handles the lingering tensions following Obasa’s removal.

For the people of Lagos, the hope is that this leadership change will translate into more impactful legislation and a renewed focus on their welfare. As the first female Speaker in this assembly’s history, Mojisola Meranda’s rise represents not just a shift in leadership but a milestone in the ongoing evolution of Lagos politics. Her tenure promises to be a defining moment for the state’s legislative agenda and its commitment to good governance.

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