Lagos Assembly Speakership: Civil Society Groups Declare Obasa’s Removal, Meranda’s Election Constitutionally Valid

A coalition of civil society groups on Wednesday called for strict adherence to due process amid the controversy over the Lagos State House of Assembly’s speakership. 

The organizations committed to advancing women’s rights in governance,  organizations also decried an alleged incursion by security operatives into the Assembly and urged all stakeholders to uphold constitutional principles.

In a statement issued during a press conference in Lagos, read by Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi,

Co-convener, Womanisfesto, the organizations affirmed that the removal of Mudashiru Obasa and the election of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda were constitutionally valid, citing Sections 92 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution. 

They emphasized that the majority of lawmakers followed due process in electing Meranda, making her the legitimate Speaker of the House.

The coalition, which comprises 157 woman groups, hailed Meranda’s emergence as the first female Speaker in the history of Lagos State as a landmark achievement for women in politics. 

They highlighted the need for gender equity in leadership, describing her ascension as an inspiration for women and girls across Nigeria.

“We strongly support her leadership and urge all stakeholders to respect the constitutional process and uphold the legitimacy of her position,” the statement read.

The civil society leaders also denounced the actions of the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging that armed operatives harassed lawmakers and denied them access to the chambers. 

They described this as an unacceptable interference in the democratic process, warning that intimidation of elected officials undermines democracy.

The coalition demanded that all state actors respect the independence of the legislature and refrain from using coercion to influence Assembly decisions. 

They stressed that any impeachment or electoral process must follow constitutional provisions, ensuring fairness, transparency, and justice.

Standing firmly behind Meranda, the coalition urged all stakeholders to uphold the constitution and support women in leadership. 

They reaffirmed that women, who make up half of the population, must be adequately represented in governance to ensure inclusive development in Lagos State.