By Parrot Newspaper 
EXCLUSIVE: Obasa Demands Return of N5 Billion Withdrawn by Meranda After His Ouster
By Parrot Newspaper Investigative Desk
A fresh crisis has erupted in the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa clashes with his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, over the withdrawal of N5 billion from the assembly’s account during her short-lived tenure as speaker.
Sources familiar with the development told Parrot Newspaper that the funds were used to procure 40 brand-new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs for lawmakers—a decision that has now put Meranda at odds with Obasa, who was reinstated as speaker on March 3 on the orders of President Bola Tinubu.
The Battle Over Assembly Funds
Following Obasa’s impeachment on January 13, Meranda became the first female speaker of the Lagos Assembly. However, her tenure lasted only 49 days, as pressure from Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership forced her resignation and paved the way for Obasa’s return.
In the few days after taking office, Meranda approved the N5 billion withdrawal to acquire the 40 SUVs—one for each lawmaker. However, Obasa, upon reclaiming his position, ordered her to return the money immediately, arguing that she had no right to approve such a transaction without his consent.
Obasa’s Own Car Deal Disrupted
Sources disclosed that Obasa had already planned to spend N7 billion to purchase 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which he intended to distribute among lawmakers and senior Assembly officials. His plan reportedly included:
40 SUVs for Assembly members
1 SUV for the House Clerk
4 SUVs for himself and his two wives
Meranda’s decision to go ahead with her own car procurement, however, threw Obasa’s plan into disarray, prompting his demand for the immediate return of the Land Cruisers.
Lawmakers Resist Obasa’s Orders
Tensions within the Assembly have escalated, as most lawmakers—who initially opposed Obasa’s return—are refusing to return the Land Cruisers. They argue that the newer model SUVs are superior to the 2020 Fortuner vehicles Obasa had planned to purchase.
“Mr. Speaker is not letting the matter go anytime soon,” a source within the Assembly revealed. “He has ordered Meranda and the lawmakers to return the Land Cruisers, but they are refusing because they prefer the newer models over the older Fortuners.”
Fallout and Political Implications
The controversy exposes deep divisions within the Lagos Assembly and raises serious questions about financial management under both Obasa and Meranda. While Obasa claims he is acting to protect the integrity of the House’s finances, critics argue that both factions have used state funds for personal and political gain.
Efforts to reach Speaker Obasa for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
This is a developing story. Stay with Parrot Newspaper for updates.