Can Lagos New Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, Tick the Boxes in Lagos Political Space?

The transition from Mudashiru Obasa to Mojisola Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly marks a historic shift in leadership dynamics. As the first female speaker since 1999, Meranda’s rise comes with heightened expectations and political scrutiny, and not a few projections, both positive and negative.

As a figure with deep-rooted connections to Lagos’ royal lineage, Meranda has been deeply immersed in politics for a long time. And yes, while this early immersion provided her with unique insights into governance, transitioning from deputy to speaker places her in a high-stakes position requiring bold decision-making and strategic vision.

Critics generally agree that Meranda’s career trajectory is one that reflects dedication and gradual mastery of political responsibilities. Whether it is from her serving as a personal assistant at 23 or her becoming a three-term legislator, Meranda’s tenure has shown a preference for refining existing laws rather than pursuing legislative proliferation. This approach will now face tougher evaluation.

Meranda’s leadership philosophy, which focuses on enforcing and updating outdated laws, may align with the Assembly’s current needs. However, critics argue that legislative innovation and responsiveness to emerging challenges are essential for tackling Lagos’ evolving complexities.

Lagos political environment demands deft handling of diverse interests, particularly within a ruling party that prizes loyalty and results. Meranda’s relationships with influential political figures could bolster her authority, but her ability to foster independence within the Assembly remains to be tested.

As Lagos’ number three citizen, Meranda’s success will depend on her capacity to deliver tangible benefits for constituents while balancing competing priorities. Her leadership must resonate beyond ceremonial roles to earn widespread trust and credibility.

In a state where public expectations often outpace political delivery, Meranda faces an uphill battle. Her performance in the coming months will determine whether she can meet the moment or succumb to the challenges of Lagos’ volatile political arena.