The political crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated, with fresh allegations surrounding the controversial procurement of official vehicles worth N5 billion for lawmakers. What initially appeared to be a routine government purchase has now become a flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle between the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda.
At the heart of the dispute is the approval and execution of the vehicle purchase. Sources close to the matter reveal that Obasa had initially approved a budget of N7 billion in December 2024 for the procurement of 40 vehicles, reportedly intending to purchase them from Dubai through his preferred supplier. However, before the acquisition could be finalized, he was dramatically ousted as Speaker on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers. His removal followed allegations of financial mismanagement, highhandedness, and other governance concerns.
With Obasa out of the way, Meranda was appointed as Speaker, a position she held for 49 days before resigning on March 3, 2025. During her tenure, she went ahead with the vehicle procurement but under different terms. Instead of purchasing the vehicles from Dubai, she opted for a local open bidding process, ultimately securing 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser at a total cost of N5 billion. This move, according to sources close to her, saved the state N2 billion compared to Obasa’s initial N7 billion budget.
Obasa, now reinstated as Speaker, is reportedly furious over the transaction, arguing that the vehicles were purchased without his authorization. His allies insist that while he had approved the funds, he had a different procurement plan, making the execution under Meranda unacceptable.
One lawmaker familiar with the situation explained that the controversy is not about whether the vehicles were needed but about who had the authority to finalize the deal. The lawmaker further stated that the Assembly had already agreed to purchase the vehicles, and Meranda merely executed the plan based on an existing approval.
“The money had already been approved under Obasa’s leadership. The only difference is that he wanted the vehicles from Dubai, but Meranda, in a bid to ensure transparency, went through an open bidding process, which resulted in local procurement,” the source noted.
Another insider argued that Meranda’s decision was not an act of financial misconduct but a cost-saving measure. The source clarified that she did not make any unauthorized withdrawals from the Assembly’s account but only adjusted the purchase plan to reduce the financial burden on the state.
The ongoing feud has further divided the Assembly, with some lawmakers supporting Obasa’s objections while others argue that the purchase was conducted in the best interest of the state. The controversy has intensified an already fragile situation, raising concerns about governance stability in Lagos.
Political analysts suggest that this crisis may not be about the vehicles alone but a reflection of the deeper power struggle between different factions within the Assembly. The battle for control has been brewing for months, with Obasa’s removal and subsequent reinstatement exposing the underlying political tensions.
Observers warn that unless a resolution is reached, the Assembly could remain paralyzed by infighting, making it difficult for lawmakers to focus on legislative duties. With Lagos being Nigeria’s economic hub, any prolonged political crisis could have broader implications for governance, budget implementation, and policy execution.
As the controversy unfolds, residents of Lagos are watching closely, hoping that their elected representatives will put governance above personal rivalries. The questions now are whether Obasa will attempt to overturn the vehicle purchase, whether Meranda’s supporters will push back, and what impact this dispute will have on the overall stability of the Lagos State government.
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