Likely Names To Succeed Lagos Speaker Meranda Amidst Resignation Rumours

The political landscape of Lagos State was thrown into turmoil following the impeachment of former House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the subsequent emergence of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.

This upheaval has led to a disruption in lawmaking, a crucial element of democracy and representation.

Obasa, representing Agege 1 Constituency, has taken legal action against Meranda and the Lagos State House of Assembly, arguing that his removal was illegal as it occurred during a recess.

As tensions persist in the Lagos State House of Assembly, leading to an indefinite adjournment of sittings, there have been ongoing discussions about the possible resignation of the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

TopNaija.ng reports that these talks stem from political calculations that suggest the next Speaker should hail from Lagos West.

High-profile political figures, such as Chief Bisi Akande, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, have reportedly intervened in the matter, proposing Meranda’s return to her previous role as Deputy Speaker.

As exclusively gathered by TopNaija.ng on Tuesday, February 25, many members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) are opposed to the emergence of David Setonji as the speaker in the event Meranda is forced to step down.

A highly placed source in the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), a think tank group set up by President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, dismissed the speculation surrounding Hon. Setonji David, who represents Badagry, as mere propaganda.

“Hon. Setonji David, though a ranking lawmaker, is from Badagry (Lagos West). While he is qualified for the speakership position, he is from Badagry, the same zone as the APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, as well as the senator representing Lagos West, Hon. Idiat Adebule. So, Hon. Setonji David can’t be the Speaker for fairness and equity.

“Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has insisted that the speakership position returns to Lagos West, where former Speaker Obasa is from. If we are talking about Lagos West, we must also consider Ikeja Division, and most of us feel that is where the speakership should go,” the GAC source, who requested anonymity, said.

All you need to know about the five (5) possible Lawmakers who may Replace Meranda

1. Hon. Adedeji Temitope Adedeji

Temitope Adewale Adedeji, the current Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, is a vibrant representative of the Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I. He’s a second time Member.

TopNaija.ng reports that Temitope Adewale is one of the political sons of President Bola Tinubu.

Adewale worked with the Nigerian leader as the senior special assistant on youths politics and policy. Among several other public office roles, the 41-year-old was ex-Lagos governor, Babatunde Fashola’s senior special assistant on works and infrastructure.

The stylish white-bearded popularly called ATA founded the Adewale Temitope Adedeji Educational Initiatives (ATA-EI), aiming to make Ifako-Ijaiye Nigeria’s most educated local government area by 2037.

2. Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu

Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, the current Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, represents Ikeja Constituency II and prides himself as the youngest member of the 8th Assembly at the age of 32.

His legislative experience and commitment to serving his constituents have earned him recognition within the political sphere.

In addition to his political achievements, Kasunmu has an impressive family background. He is the grandson of the late Alhaja (Dr) Abibatu Mogaji, an iconic figure and Iyaloja General of Nigeria.

Alhaja Mogaji was not only a trailblazer in the business world but also the mother of President Tinubu.

3. Hon. (Engr.) Setonji David

Engr. David Setonji is a seasoned legislator and a ranking member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, having served three terms in the legislative chamber.

As the current Chief Whip, he holds a significant leadership position within the Assembly, and some speculate that he may be a favorite to become the next Speaker.

4. Hon. Rauf Olawale Age-Sulaiman

Hon. Rauf Olawale Age-Sulaiman, the representative of Amuwo/Odofin II constituency, is considered a strong contender for the position of Lagos Assembly Speaker.

His candidacy is bolstered by his recent victory in a court battle over his second term ticket.

On November 29, 2023, Age-Sulaiman received his certificate of return after the Court of Appeal declared him the rightful winner of the March 18 Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II House of Assembly election.

5. Hon. Kehinde Joseph

Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph is an experienced lawmaker representing the highly populated area of Alimosho Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

A second-time member, Joseph has an extensive background in politics, having served as the chairman of All Ward Chairmen in Alimosho Federal Constituency from 2006 to 2013.