Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda wrote her name in the history book and in the sands of time as she became the first ever Female Speaker in Lagos State House of Assembly and in the nation.

 

Since the country witnessed uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, no state has ever produced a Female Speaker.

 

The narratives however changed on January 13, 2025, when by providence, Hon. Meranda got to the saddle as the Speaker of LAHA following the unceremonious impeachment of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as Speaker.

 

Meranda has been in House since 2015 when she won the Assembly Seat, representing Apapa 1 Constituency, and as remained consistent.

 

Prior to the Speakership tussle after 2023 General Election, Meranda challenged Obasa for the Speakership Seat and got the support an backing of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu, but she lost the Seat.

 

Little did she know that she was going to become Speaker of the House and make history in a unique and in an unanimously decided way.

 

Meranda is the younger Sister to the revered Monarch, Oba Oniru, HRH Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal.

 

Political observers have argued that the rise of Meranda in Lagos politics could be traced to the relationship between his Brother, Oba Oniru, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the power brokers in Lagos politics.

 

It would be recalled that Oba Oniru was President Tinubu’s orderly during his reign as the Governor of Lagos State from 1999-2007.

 

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was born on August 16, 1980, into the royal families of Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru, her lineage boasts a strong political heritage.

 

Her family influence paved way for her in political quest, and she has meticulously maintained this through her legislative prowess.

 

She attended Randle Primary School and later Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School. Meranda earned a degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University in 2013 and pursued further studies at the University of Lagos.

 

She worked as a personal assistant in the Lagos State government and held positions in the private sector, including as a procurement manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited.

 

She started as a senior special assistant at Apapa Local Government, she later became a supervisory councillor for health. Elected to the House in 2015, she has since been re-elected twice.

 

As a legislator, Meranda emphasized the amendment of outdated laws over merely sponsoring new bills. She has also implemented various constituency projects, including medical outreaches and educational support initiatives.

 

A vocal advocate for women’s rights, she challenges stereotypes and calls for greater representation of women in politics, emphasizing equal capabilities in leadership roles.

 

She has initiated water projects, equipped schools, supported petty traders and widows, and facilitated training programs for mechanics.

 

She served as the Chief Whip of the ninth assembly and is one of only four women in the current 40-member Lagos Assembly.

 

Mojisola Lasbat is married to John Paul Meranda and blessed with kids.