Mojisola Lasbat Meranda: Omoluabi personified

By Segun Smart Ajiboye

The Yoruba places high premium on the concept of Omoluabi. The omoluabi concept signifies courage, hard work, humility and respect.

An omoluabi is a person of honor who believes in hard work, respects the rights of others, and gives to the community in deeds and in action. Above all, an omoluabi is a person of integrity.

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, innately possesses all the attributes of an Omoluabi.

The 49-day reign of her role as Speaker of the Lagos Assembly will remain memorable in the minds of all those who came in touch with her during the period. And I truly hope that one day, the story of the contribution to the development of our democracy by this heroine would be told.

In those 49 days, the Assembly witnessed robust legislative activities last seen almost one decade ago. Yes, Lagos, the state of aquatic splendour, is well known for its democratic ideals. It is also on record that some states across Nigeria have come to study how the state assembly operates.

A third-term lawmaker in the assembly once expressed his delight while addressing his colleagues during plenary.

After a very robust discussion, during all the members present have contributed to the issue, he stood up and said: “This is what legislative activities is all about. We have listened to various divergent opinions today, and I dare say that I am proud to be a member of this assembly.”

This seemingly innocuous remark may have gone unnoticed by many, but the weight resonated far with political watchers who have become wary of the many negative stories coming out of the assembly, particularly in the last six months.

But testimonies about the good deeds of Madam Speaker in the short period she held the office are many. Her colleagues are not unaware of the special qualities she possess, while staff of the assembly are not left out of the torrents of praises being heaped on her.

Her aides see her as the leader, not the master, of a working team. And indeed, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda is a leader with a difference. She leads her squad with abundance of love and understanding that give them strength to go the extra mile without breaking any sweat.

Her maturity is topnotch and highly commendable. Little wonder she brought order and confidence into the Assembly, leading a rise in self-confidence among the staff who were willing give more everyday.

With her as speaker, a plenary scheduled for 12 noon would commence not more than 20 minutes after the scheduled time. For everyone in the complex, including her colleagues who began to operate like true colleagues, it was the beginning of a good thing.

The reason is not hidden to those in the know. Prior to that time, a plenary billed to start at 5pm would, at the earliest start by 5pm. No one could complain because that was the master’s decision and there would be no need for any explanation.

Now that sweet and fresh breath of freedom has suddenly been taken away from both staff and lawmakers, who in truth were not seen as colleagues, but were made to endure a relationship, described by lawmakers as ‘toxic and master-slave relationship ‘. That was their lot and they believed they have left Egypt, hence 35 of the 40-member House insisted on her leadership.

If you are curious about how Meranda came about her sterling qualities, a peep into her background will help – Meranda was born into the noble family of late Chief T. A. Lawal-Akapo, the Ojora of Lagos (1977–1993), and Olori M. Lawal-Akapo (1937–2022).

Her lineage spans several prestigious royal houses, including the Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, Abisogun-Oniru, and Shokun royal families of Lagos State. Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat

However, it should be noted that Meranda is not where she is as a result of the circumstances of her birth. She is a woman of sterling character, profound intellect, and remarkable accomplishments.

She holds a BSc in Public Administration from the Lagos State University and a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos. She has also attained an MBA in Public Sector Management from the University of York, UK and a Master of Criminology from the University of Lagos.

Rt. Hon. Meranda’s career began in Lagos State’s Ministry of Science and Technology under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where she served as a Personal Assistant in Information Technology.

A progressive political force, she has been active from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Her very robust legislative career is a testament to her dedication and vision. From serving as Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in the 8th Assembly, to Chair, House Commitee on Establishment, training and pension, also being the Chief Whip in the 9th Assembly. She has consistently championed policies that promote equity, empowerment, and development.

The first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly continues to break barriers and inspire generations that no hiccup can erode. Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the People’s Speaker.