Rt Hon Mojisola Meranda Biography and Life History tells you all about the new Lagos House Speaker.
Born on August 16, 1980, to prominent royal families, she has a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Lagos State University and an advanced certificate in software development.
Mrs Meranda served as the Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip of the 9th Assembly before rising to the post of speaker on the 13th of January 2025.
Mojisola Meranda Biography Life History Profile Family Career Education
Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda is the newly sworn-in Speaker of the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly, a role that attests to her rise as a formidable force in Lagos politics. First elected to represent Apapa Constituency-1 in 2015, she has been re-elected twice, in 2019 and 2023, cementing her reputation as a dedicated public servant and advocate for her constituents.
Before her ascension as Speaker, Mrs Meranda served as the Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip of the 9th Assembly, where she demonstrated strong leadership and legislative acumen. Her journey into politics is deeply rooted in her heritage as a Lagos blue blood. Born on August 16, 1980, to the family of the late Chief T. A. Lawal Akapo, the Ojora of Lagos, and Princess M. A. Lawal-Akapo, she hails from prominent royal families, including Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru. Her father, a former legislator and traditional ruler, and her brother, Oba AbdulWasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru land, have inspired her lifelong commitment to public service.
Mrs Meranda’s educational journey began at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School and Randle Primary School, Surulere. She continued at Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School, where she distinguished herself as a leader. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Lagos State University in 2013 and ongoing studies at the University of Lagos. Additionally, she holds an advanced certificate in software development, showcasing her versatility and commitment to lifelong learning.
Her career spans both the public and private sectors. She gained valuable experience as a procurement manager in the oil and gas industry with Cirrus Nigeria Limited and later as Head of Operations at Worthline International Services Limited. Her early political career included high-profile roles in Apapa Local Government, such as Senior Special Assistant on Intervention and Intergovernmental Affairs and Supervisory Councillor for Health.
As a legislator, Mrs Meranda has emphasised the importance of refining existing laws to align with modern realities. Rather than focusing solely on new bills, she has advocated for repealing and amending outdated laws to ensure proper enforcement and relevance. Beyond legislative work, her impact is evident in her constituency projects, which include medical outreaches, providing JAMB forms, training automobile mechanics, furnishing schools, constructing water projects, and empowering petty traders and widows.
A staunch advocate for gender equality, she has called for fair representation of women in politics. “We all contested for the same offices,” she has remarked, challenging societal biases against women in leadership. Her political journey, characterised by determination and grassroots connection, inspires women aspiring to leadership roles.
Mrs Meranda’s leadership style reflects her resilience and dedication to service. She firmly believes that power is earned, not given, and her story exemplifies the rewards of perseverance. “Power is not served à la carte,” she often states, highlighting the hard work, networking, and strategic campaigning that have defined her political career.
As one of only four women in the 40-member Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Meranda’s role as Speaker is both a personal milestone and a symbolic victory for women in Nigerian politics. Her vision for Lagos is one of inclusivity, progress, and empowerment, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of gender, has a voice in shaping the state’s future.
The Move That Eventually Triggered The Impeachment Process Of Scandal-Plagued Former Lagos Assembly Speaker.
December 26, 2024 set the date and pace for the impeachment process witnessed today at the Lagos state house of assembly.
The proverbial cat with nine lives eventually used the ninth lifeline!
The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the Lagos State House has been described as a breath of fresh air by workers within the assembly complex.
In removing the speaker, the lawmakers alleged multiple financial and statutory violations against Obasa, the longest-serving speaker of the Lagos State Assembly.
Before becoming Speaker, Meranda was the assembly’s chief whip and recently served as the deputy speaker.
Some groups in Lagos State, Society Against Illegal Demolition and Forced Eviction, and United Action for Democracy, alleged that the state House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Modashiru Obasa, is being shielded against fresh allegations of corruption, calling for his investigation.
At the conference, which was addressed by the Secretary of the Society Against Illegal Demolition and Forced Eviction, Opeyemi Ogunlami, on behalf of all the groups, the bodies expressed sadness that with so many allegations and facts against Speaker Obasa, “he is still the head of parliament in Lagos.
“We can refer to many documents of petitions written to the EFCC already over the several corruptive tendencies and acts of Speaker Obasa and his cohorts.
“All the previous allegations must also be investigated and the outcome made public.
