A fresh crisis has erupted in the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has taken legal action against his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, over her approval of ₦5 billion for the purchase of 40 luxury SUVs for lawmakers during her brief tenure as Speaker.
Before his impeachment, Mr. Obasa had reportedly planned a ₦7 billion budget for 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs—40 for lawmakers, one for the house clerk, and four for himself and his two wives. However, Ms. Meranda's decision to approve the purchase of Land Cruisers instead of Fortuner SUVs disrupted his original plan, leading to mounting tensions in the assembly.
“Obasa had his own plans for purchasing vehicles before his removal,” a source revealed. “Now that he’s back, he wants the ₦5 billion returned so he can execute his initial plan, but the lawmakers are refusing to give up their newly acquired SUVs.”
The development has triggered resistance among lawmakers, many of whom opposed Mr. Obasa’s return as Speaker. They are reportedly standing firm against his demand to return the Land Cruisers in exchange for the Fortuner SUVs he initially intended to buy.
“Mr. Speaker is not letting this matter go and has ordered Meranda and the lawmakers to return the Land Cruisers,” another source stated. “But they are all refusing because they prefer the latest model over the 2020 Fortuner SUVs Obasa had planned to buy.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the Lagos State House of Assembly remains embroiled in controversy, raising concerns about leadership disputes and financial accountability within the legislative body.