The Lagos State House of Assembly has appointed new principal officers to steer its legislative functions, marking a shift in its leadership structure. The announcement was made during a plenary session on Friday. This follows a week of political changes that has drawn public attention.
The new appointments are as follows:
– Hon. Temitope Adedeji (Ifako Ijaiye 1) – Majority Leader
– Hon. Sanni Babatunde (Kosofe 1) – Chief Whip
– Hon. Richard Kasumu (Ikeja 2)– Deputy Majority Leader
– Hon. David Setonji (Badagry 2)– Deputy Chief Whip
These appointments come in the wake of the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa earlier this week. Obasa was removed from office after being accused of multiple financial interactions. In his place, Mojisola Meranda, the former Chief Whip and representative of Apapa Constituency 1, was sworn in as the new Speaker, becoming the first woman in the history of Lagos politics to hold this position.
While the reshuffling of leadership has been welcomed by some as an opportunity for a fresh start, concerns have been raised over the underlying factors that led to these changes. Civic groups and political analysts have pointed out the need for transparency regarding the allegations against Obasa and how they were addressed by the Assembly.
Critics have also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the new leadership works collaboratively to prioritize key societal issues such as infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and traffic management in Lagos State. “Leadership changes in the Assembly should not just be about power dynamics but should reflect the interests and welfare of the people,” said Adeola Akinwale, a political analyst.
The Lagos State House of Assembly now faces the challenge of addressing pressing concerns, including the fallout from the impeachment, ongoing allegations of corruption, and the need to implement policies that resonate with the aspirations of Lagosians.