Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Executive and Legislative arms to maintaining a strong partnership following the appointment of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Speaking on Monday via X after meeting with Speaker Meranda and other principal officers at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in their united efforts to sustain Lagos’ leadership in governance and development.
“This alignment between the Executive and Legislative arms ensures that Lagos continues to serve as a model of excellence in governance. Together, we will build on past successes and work tirelessly to deliver transformative progress across all sectors,” the governor stated.
The meeting follows significant developments in the Assembly, including the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Last week, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu distanced himself from the impeachment process, emphasizing the independence of the legislature.
“This is purely a legislative matter, and the Assembly handled it as they deemed appropriate. The governor has no involvement in this process,” Akosile clarified, referencing constitutional provisions on the separation of powers.
Former Speaker Obasa, who had represented Agege Constituency I and served as Speaker since 2015, was impeached last Monday over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. Reports indicate that the decision had the support of 90% of Assembly members.
In a widely circulated video, a lawmaker commented on the impeachment, stating, “Change is inevitable, and today, members of the parliament decided to change the leadership of the House. It was a collective decision that we needed new direction.”
Additionally, the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, was suspended indefinitely, and Hon. Mojeed Fatai was elected as the new Deputy Speaker.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that the new leadership under Speaker Meranda would enhance the synergy between the two arms of government and deliver more impactful governance for Lagos residents.
