Meet Lagos’ First Female Speaker: Mojisola Meranda’s Journey to Leadership

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The Lagos State House of Assembly made history on January 13, 2025, with the swearing-in of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda as its first female Speaker. Her journey to this esteemed position is one of dedication, service, and a rich political heritage.

Early Life and Background

Born on August 16, 1980, Mojisola Meranda hails from a distinguished lineage. She is the daughter of the late Chief T. A. Lawal Akapo (Ojora of Lagos) and Princess M. A. Lawal-Akapo. Her family is deeply rooted in Lagos royalty, with connections to the Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru royal families. Her late father was both a local legislator and the Ojora of Lagos, while her brother, Oba AbdulWasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, is the Oniru of Iru land.

Education and Academic Pursuits

Meranda's educational journey began at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School before she moved to Randle Primary School in Surulere, completing her primary education in 1992.(lagosreporters) She proceeded to Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (1992-1996) and later Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School (1996-1998), where she played active roles as a library prefect and secretary of the press club.

She obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1998 and went on to earn an advanced certificate in software development in 2005. She later graduated from Lagos State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration in 2013. Her thirst for knowledge led her back to school in 2018 when she enrolled at the University of Lagos.

Political and Professional Career

Mojisola Meranda's career in public service began in 2003 when, at the age of 23, she worked as a personal assistant to Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, then senior special assistant on technology and special projects to Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Between 2007 and 2008, she ventured into the oil and gas sector, serving as a procurement manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited. However, politics remained her true calling, and in 2008, she took on active roles in Apapa local government. She first served as a senior special assistant on intervention and intergovernmental affairs under Chairman Ayodeji Joseph before being appointed as a supervisory councilor for health.

Her leadership and administrative skills led her to Worthline International Services Limited in 2014, where she served as head of operations. Notably, she had been listed as a director of the company since its registration in 2012.

Rise to Political Prominence

In 2015, Meranda was elected as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Apapa Constituency 1. Her strong leadership earned her re-elections in 2019 and 2023, solidifying her influence in the state’s political landscape.

Her tenure in the House was marked by her advocacy for legislative reforms and community-driven policies. Her political acumen and experience eventually led to her emergence as Speaker following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

A New Era of Leadership

As the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda’s ascension represents a significant milestone in Lagos politics.

Her extensive experience in both public administration and governance positions her as a formidable leader who is expected to bring stability and reform to the House.

Lagos Reporters will continue to provide in-depth coverage of her leadership journey and the impact of her policies on the state’s legislative landscape.