Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Executive and Legislative arms to maintaining a harmonious relationship following the emergence of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In a statement on Monday via X, after receiving Speaker Meranda and other principal officers at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in their collaborative efforts to ensure the state continues to set benchmarks in governance.
This alignment between the Executive and Legislative arms ensures that Lagos remains a model of excellence in governance. We will build on the successes of the past and work tirelessly to deliver transformational progress across all sectors,” the governor said.
The meeting comes amid significant changes 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, Sanwo-Olu distanced himself from the impeachment process, emphasising the independence of the legislature.
“It is purely a legislative matter, and the Assembly handled it the best way they could. It has nothing to do with the governor,” Akosile stated, citing constitutional provisions on the separation of powers.
Obasa, who represented Agege State Constituency I and had served as Speaker since 2015, was removed last Monday following allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. The decision reportedly had the support of 90% of House members.
In a viral video, a lawmaker explained the decision to remove Obasa, “It is only death that is constant, so change is inevitable. Members of the parliament today have decided to change the leadership of the House. The members of the House felt we had had enough of the leadership of Mudashiru Obasa.”
The Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, was also suspended indefinitely. Hon. Mojeed Fatai was elected as the new Deputy Speaker.
(PUNCH)