On Monday, January 27, 2025, history was made in Lagos as the first female speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, assumed office.
As it is expected with so much political fanfare, lawmakers in her favour – more than two third of the lawmaking chamber – greeted her as she made a walk to occupy the office, which was used by her erstwhile boss and former speaker, Hon Mudashiru Obasa.
I watched as individuals, who escorted her to the office prayed in different form but one moment remained distinguished for me and for anyone with keen interest in what becomes of the new speaker. She took a moment to privately dedicate the day and moment to God in a solemn but seemingly appearing to be dropping it all at HIS feet.
And that is simply who Rt. Hon Meranda is – one who allows God almighty take the wheel.
She remains one of the speakers, who emerged without prior battles with the erstwhile occupant of the seat. Her mien and ability to read situations and proffer solutions while carrying other members along earned her the position of the Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly when it was inaugurated in 2023.
Hence, it came as no surprise to those close to Princess Mojisola when more than two-third lawmakers of the Lagos House of Assembly voted her to become the first female speaker when ex-Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was found wanting by the lawmakers.
Words on the corridors of the Alausa chamber of the Lagos State Assembly points to Princess Mojisola’s demure yet firm resolutions – especially when laws concerning women, children and youths are discussed.
If you have met this woman of virtue, you would understand that she can be soft-spoken and unassuming yet she’s a strong and courageous woman as her Arabic name, Lasbat, implies.
Widely known to be a princess, Rt. Hon Meranda, has consistently displayed an uncommon benevolent and philanthropic traits that have endeared her to those that have come in close contact with her.
It seems Meranda and first have an affinity that will stand the test of time.
Is it not interesting to know that she’s not only Lagos’ first female speaker but also the 10th duly elected speaker and first from Apapa constituency.
I had first met her few years ago when she was deputy speaker and had attended the Best Of Nollywood awards nomination unveil to endow a category. She was timely, prim and undoubtedly proper in all ramifications.
It was after this meeting that I decided to take interest in her activities as a public person.
On a proper scrutiny, I found out that her dedication to the causes of women, widows, children, and youth in various capacities have earned her the nickname, ‘MoCare’. Beneficiairies of various intervention programmes and scholarships have continues to reiterate the obvious that Mojisola cares, hence, MoCare.
For those who are still wondering what time it is, it’s MoCare O’clock and it’s better for naysayers to surrender to Meranda because the train has since left Agege for Apapa.
Igbega Ipinle Eko, Ajumose gbogbo wa ni
Gbenga Bada (BARON) writes from Ogba, Lagos!
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
