By Titilope Adako
The leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa clashes with his former replacement, Mojisola Meranda, over the procurement of official vehicles for lawmakers.
Sources within the Assembly revealed that Obasa is furious after Meranda reduced the vehicle budget by ₦2 billion and opted to purchase the cars locally rather than import them from Dubai, as initially planned under Obasa’s leadership.
Budget Slash and Local Procurement Sparks Controversy
According to insiders, the controversy stems from the procurement of 40 SUVs for lawmakers. While Obasa had initially approved the project before his suspension, Meranda, during her brief tenure as Speaker, executed it differently.
Obasa had already approved the purchase of these vehicles before his removal. Meranda only implemented the project but did not follow Obasa’s original plan,” a source disclosed.
Initially, Obasa had approved ₦7 billion for the purchase of 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai, with the approval signed on December 23, 2024. However, after his impeachment, Meranda revised the plan, opting for a local supplier. She approved ₦5 billion for 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado and seven units of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, effectively saving ₦2 billion.
Obasa Fumes as Meranda Slashes Lawmakers’ Vehicle Budget by N2bn, Excludes His Wives
The leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa clashes with his former replacement, Mojisola Meranda, over the procurement of official vehicles for lawmakers.
Sources within the Assembly revealed that Obasa is furious after Meranda reduced the vehicle budget by ₦2 billion and opted to purchase the cars locally rather than import them from Dubai, as initially planned under Obasa’s leadership.
Budget Slash and Local Procurement Sparks Controversy
According to insiders, the controversy stems from the procurement of 40 SUVs for lawmakers. While Obasa had initially approved the project before his suspension, Meranda, during her brief tenure as Speaker, executed it differently.
“Obasa had already approved the purchase of these vehicles before his removal. Meranda only implemented the project but did not follow Obasa’s original plan,” a source disclosed.
Initially, Obasa had approved ₦7 billion for the purchase of 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai, with the approval signed on December 23, 2024. However, after his impeachment, Meranda revised the plan, opting for a local supplier. She approved ₦5 billion for 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado and seven units of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, effectively saving ₦2 billion.
Obasa’s Reinstatement and Demand for Vehicle Returns
Obasa, who regained his position as Speaker after intervention from President Bola Tinubu and top APC leaders, is now demanding that all SUVs purchased under Meranda be returned.
The Lagos Assembly has faced internal strife since January, following Obasa’s impeachment over allegations of fraud and misconduct. His removal lasted only 49 days before he was reinstated, forcing Meranda to step down.
Disruption of Obasa’s Original Plan
Before his impeachment, Obasa had reportedly planned to distribute 45 SUVs—40 for lawmakers, one for the Clerk, and four reserved for himself and his two wives. Meranda’s intervention altered this arrangement, further fueling tensions between the two leaders.
As the crisis unfolds, Obasa’s insistence on reversing Meranda’s decisions highlights the deepening power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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