Members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Lagos West senatorial district have come under criticism following the election of Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
It would be recalled that on January 13, 2025, Mudasiru Ajayi Obasa, who represented Agege Constituency 1 in Lagos West, was removed as Speaker by a majority of House members while he was in the United States
His removal was attributed to allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. In his place, Hon. Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency 1 in Lagos Central, was elected as the new Speaker.
However, some APC members from Lagos West, under the umbrella of the Progressives Alliance, have condemned the decision, labelling it an “injustice” and an “ill-treatment” of party members from their zone.
In a statement signed by the group’s Secretary, Hon. Segun Banjo, they argued that Lagos West, which holds 20 out of the 40 seats in the Assembly, should have retained the Speakership position in the spirit of justice and fairness.
“We have no issue with Obasa’s removal. Our concern is that the lawmakers, in electing Meranda, were not well guided,” the statement read.
The group further expressed its dissatisfaction over the decision to pass over qualified lawmakers from Lagos West, stating that their zone has the largest electoral strength in terms of votes and APC membership.
“It is appalling and disturbing that the Speakership position was handed over to Lagos Central, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also hails from. This decision disregards the principles of fair distribution of political offices, which should reflect both religious and sectional interests,” they added.
The aggrieved members also criticised prominent GAC members from Lagos West, including Alhaji Mutiu Aare, former Deputy Governor Adejoke Adefulire, former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, APC State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, and former State Chairman Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale.
They accused them of failing to protect the interests of Lagos West in the House leadership.
“In any case, we leave them to posterity to judge their actions,” the statement concluded.
