Historic Resignation: Lagos’ First Female Speaker Steps Down

In a surprising turn of events, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the first woman ever to serve as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has resigned from her special position. She made history when she became Speaker on January 13, 2025, but just a little over a month later, on February 17, 2025, she decided it was best to step down.

Why Did She Resign?

Hon. Meranda explained that her decision was made to protect the Assembly during a time of political difficulties. Recently, there have been disagreements and uncertainty inside the Assembly, and a vote of confidence was held about her leadership. There were also talks of ending the current meeting sessions, as the Majority Leader, Temitope Adewale, suggested pausing the work of the Assembly for now.

In her resignation letter, she wrote about how hard it was to make this decision. She said that her choice was a “selfless sacrifice” to help keep the Assembly united and strong, even though it meant giving up a very important job.

What Did Her Letter Say?

Here are some key points from her heartfelt resignation letter:

1. Taking Responsibility: She announced that she would stop being the Speaker from February 17, 2025.
2. Thoughtful Decision: She mentioned that she did not decide quickly; she thought a lot about her time as Speaker, which started on January 13, 2025, and the problems facing the Assembly.
3. Protecting the Institution: Meranda explained that as leaders chosen by the people of Lagos, it was her duty to help protect democracy and good government. She believed that stepping down was the right move to help keep the Assembly together during tough times.
4. Gratitude: She thanked all her colleagues, including the management and staff, for their support during her short but memorable time as Speaker.
5. Continuing Service: Even though she is leaving the Speaker’s role, she will still serve the people as a member of the Assembly for Apapa 1 Constituency.

What Does This Mean for Lagos?

Hon. Meranda’s resignation shows that sometimes leaders must make difficult choices for the greater good. Even though she was the first woman to hold the Speaker position—a role that broke barriers—she felt it was best to step aside to protect the Assembly during challenging political times. Her decision reminds us that leadership is not just about holding a title, but also about doing what is best for the community.

This news has touched many people in Lagos and beyond, as it is a story of courage, responsibility, and a dedication to public service. Hon. Meranda will continue to work hard for her community, showing that even after a historic moment, there is still more work to be done to keep democracy strong.