Obasa vs. Meranda: ₦5bn Vehicle Purchase Fuels Lingering Feud in Lagos Assembly

The Lagos State House of Assembly is currently embroiled in a significant controversy surrounding the procurement of vehicles for its members. This issue has intensified the existing tensions between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, leading to questions about financial management and internal governance within the Assembly.

Background: Leadership Changes and Vehicle Procurement

In December 2024, Speaker Obasa approved ₦7 billion for the purchase of vehicles intended for the 40 Assembly members. His plan involved acquiring 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai. However, on January 13, 2025, Mudashiru Obasa was removed from his position, and Mojisola Meranda assumed the role of Speaker. During her 49-day tenure, Meranda revised the procurement plan, opting for a local bidding process that resulted in the purchase of 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUVs and seven units of Toyota Land Cruisers, totaling ₦5 billion. This decision reportedly saved the Assembly ₦2 billion compared to the original plan.

Dispute Over Procurement Decisions

Following Obasa’s reinstatement as Speaker on March 3, 2025, tensions escalated over the vehicle procurement. Obasa expressed dissatisfaction with Meranda’s decision to proceed with the purchase during his absence, particularly because it deviated from his original plan to source the vehicles from Dubai through a preferred bidder. An aide to Obasa noted that while the funds had been approved prior to his removal, the execution of the purchase without his authorization was a point of contention.

Financial Implications and Allegations

Meranda’s camp maintains that her actions were financially prudent, emphasizing that she did not withdraw additional funds but rather adjusted an existing approval to achieve cost savings. A source close to Meranda stated that her administration’s approach led to a ₦2 billion reduction in expenditure, acquiring better-quality vehicles at a lower cost.

Current Status and Ongoing Tensions

Despite Meranda’s resignation and Obasa’s reinstatement, the dispute over the vehicle procurement continues to cause friction within the Assembly. Obasa is reportedly demanding the return of the vehicles purchased under Meranda’s directive, a move that has met resistance from lawmakers who are reluctant to exchange the acquired Toyota Land Cruisers for the initially planned Toyota Fortuner models.

This controversy highlights the complexities of internal Assembly politics and raises concerns about procurement processes and financial oversight within legislative bodies.

The dispute over the procurement of luxury vehicles in the Lagos State House of Assembly underscores deeper concerns about governance, transparency, and public accountability in Nigeria. While legislative bodies play a crucial role in shaping policy and providing oversight, the ongoing power struggle between Speaker Obasa and his former deputy, Meranda, suggests that personal interests and control over state resources often take precedence over public service.

At a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, controversies over extravagant spending by elected officials raise questions about priorities in governance. Instead of focusing on policies that address pressing social and economic issues, legislative leaders appear entangled in conflicts over perks and privileges. This further erodes public trust in democratic institutions and fuels perceptions of political office as a means for personal enrichment rather than service to the electorate.

Ultimately, this episode reflects broader challenges in Nigerian democracy—where internal power struggles within government institutions frequently overshadow the need for reforms and responsible governance. If democracy is to be meaningful, there must be greater scrutiny of how public funds are allocated and a stronger commitment to ensuring that governance serves the people, not just those in power.

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