Mojisola Meranda became the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on January 12, 2025. This followed the impeachment of Mudashir Obasa due to several fraudulent allegations.
Meranda now holds the distinction of being the first female speaker of the assembly.
However, her appointment sparked controversy. Recently, officers from the Department of State Security (DSS) and Nigeria Police stormed the House. They sealed the offices of Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk of the house.
If you haven’t heard of her, here are five things to know about Mojisola Meranda.
Early Life
Mojisola Meranda was born on August 16, 1980, into the Akapo family, a prominent family in Lagos.
Family Background
Meranda’s father, the late Chief Taoreed Lawal-Akapo, served as the Ojora of Lagos from 1977 to 1993. Her mother, Princess M.A. Lawal-Akapo, belongs to several royal families, including Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru.
Education
Meranda started her education at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School. She continued at Randle Primary School in Surulere from 1986 to 1992. She completed her secondary education at Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (1992–1996) and Ansar-ud-Deen Secondary School (1996–1998). In 2013, she earned a B.Sc. in Public Administration from Lagos State University.
Lagos Heritage
Meranda is deeply connected to Lagos. Her brother, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, is the current Oniru of Iru Land.
Political Career
At 44, Meranda is one of four women in the Lagos House of Assembly. She was first elected in 2015 after working in various capacities at the Apapa local government. She was re-elected in 2019 and 2023. Meranda’s political career began when she worked as a personal assistant to Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, a senior special assistant to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
