Vanguard reports that the leadership crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa clashes with his former deputy and interim successor, Mojisola Meranda, over a contentious vehicle procurement project worth N5 billion.
Sources within the Assembly revealed that Obasa is outraged by Meranda’s decision to purchase the vehicles from a Nigerian dealer rather than adhering to his original plan of importing them from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to an insider familiar with the Assembly’s leadership dynamics, the disagreement centers around the acquisition of 40 SUVs for lawmakers, a project that Obasa initially approved before his removal as Speaker in January.
The source explained, “This issue arose because of the purchase of 40 SUVs designated for all members. It was Obasa who initially sanctioned the project before his suspension. Meranda did not unilaterally make the decision; she merely executed it when she assumed office.”
The source added, “Obasa’s intention was to import the vehicles from Dubai, but Meranda opted for a local dealer to supply them. This deviation from Obasa’s plan is the root of his frustration.”
Further investigation revealed that before his removal, Obasa had approved the acquisition of 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai, at a total cost of N7 billion. The approval was reportedly granted on December 23, 2024. However, upon her appointment as Speaker, Meranda revised the plan, opting to source the vehicles locally through a competitive bidding process. She approved the sum of N5 billion for the purchase of 32 Toyota Prado SUVs (2025 model) and 7 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs (2025 model), effectively saving N2 billion for the House.
Following Obasa’s controversial reinstatement reportedly facilitated by influential figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu he has demanded the immediate return of all 40 SUVs procured under Meranda’s leadership.
The Assembly has been engulfed in a prolonged leadership crisis since January, following Obasa’s impeachment over allegations of fraud and gross misconduct. Although Meranda stepped in as Speaker, her tenure lasted only 49 days before she was pressured to resign amid intervention from top APC leadership.
Before his removal, Obasa had reportedly planned to distribute 45 SUVs 40 for lawmakers, one for the Clerk, and four for himself and his two wives. However, Meranda’s prompt actions disrupted these arrangements, leaving Obasa dissatisfied.
To Get More News, Click The Button Below.👇