₦5 Billion Vehicle Purchase Deepens Rift Between Speaker Obasa and Mojisola Meranda Meranda

Kehinde Adeleye

A fresh crisis has erupted within the Lagos State House of Assembly, pitting Speaker Mudashiru Obasa against his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, over a ₦5 billion vehicle purchase.

The dispute began when Meranda, during her brief tenure as Speaker in January, authorized the withdrawal of funds to acquire 40 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs for lawmakers.

Upon Obasa’s reinstatement on March 3, allegedly at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, he demanded the return of the ₦5 billion, asserting that Meranda lacked the authority to approve such spending.

Prior to his removal, Obasa reportedly intended to allocate ₦7 billion for 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs—40 for lawmakers, one for the House Clerk, and four for himself and his two wives.

Meranda’s decision to purchase Land Cruisers instead of Fortuner SUVs disrupted Obasa’s initial plan, exacerbating tensions within the Assembly.

Lawmakers have refused to return the Land Cruisers, rejecting the Fortuner SUVs initially planned.

As the dispute deepens divisions within the Assembly, lawmakers opposing Obasa’s reinstatement remain steadfast against his attempts to reverse Meranda’s decision.

The outcome of this conflict remains uncertain, as both sides grapple with issues of authority, spending, and party loyalty within the Lagos State House of Assembly.