Controversy surrounding the purchase of N5bn worth of vehicles for 40 lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified the ongoing feud between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and former Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
Sources indicate that Meranda spearheaded the procurement of 39 vehicles while Obasa was removed as Speaker.
However, it was revealed that the process for the procurement of the vehicles had been set in motion by Obasa, who reportedly approved N7bn for the purpose in December 2024 before his ousting on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers.
Meranda reportedly took over the process upon assumption of office. She reportedly cancelled arrangements earlier made by Obasa to procure the vehicles from Dubai and instituted open bidding which ultimately knocked off N2bn from the amount approved by Obasa.
She also got higher models of vehicles at a lower cost to Obasa’s arrangement.
It would be recalled that Obasa’s removal by his colleagues was tied to allegations of highhandedness and financial misappropriation.
Meranda assumed the position of Speaker following Obasa’s removal and presided over the Assembly for 49 days until her resignation on March 3, after the intervention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.
Obasa was subsequently reinstated as Speaker, while Meranda resumed her role as Deputy Speaker.
Despite the political resolution, legal battles persist as Obasa challenges the legitimacy of his removal in the Lagos State High Court.
At the core of this legal tussle is the vehicle procurement, which was executed during his absence, using funds from the Assembly’s account.
Insiders report that Obasa is unhappy with the purchase of the vehicles without his authorization, as he had intended to procure them from Dubai through a preferred bidder.
“He had approved the funds before his removal, but Meranda proceeded with the purchase, opting for an open bidding process. This move infuriated Obasa,” an anonymous aide disclosed.
Another Assembly source clarified, “Obasa initially approved the procurement of the vehicles in December, planning to source them from Dubai. When Meranda took over, she conducted an open bidding process, and the vehicles were instead purchased locally. The issue is not about missing funds but about the change in procurement strategy.”
When reached for comments, Meranda’s spokesperson, Victor Ganzallo, stated that an official response would be issued in due course.
A source close to Meranda revealed that she opted for local procurement, ultimately saving the Assembly N2bn. According to the source, Obasa’s original plan involved purchasing 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai at a cost of N7bn. Instead, Meranda secured 32 Toyota Prado SUVs and seven Toyota Land Cruisers for N5bn, reducing costs significantly.
“Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never withdrew funds from the Assembly’s account but only reviewed an existing procurement approval. Her decision saved the House N2bn,” the source stated.
Additionally, it was emphasized that Meranda did not approve a vehicle for herself while in office as Speaker.
Despite his reinstatement, Obasa continues to pursue legal action against Meranda and the Assembly, arguing that the allegations leading to his removal must be addressed.
“The allegations, including highhandedness and fraudulent malpractices, are serious and must be resolved through legal means,” his lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), explained.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the hearing of Obasa’s lawsuit to March 17, 2025, following a request from the defense counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), regarding newly submitted affidavits from Obasa’s legal team.
