The controversy over the N5bn vehicle purchase for Lagos lawmakers deepens the feud between Speaker Obasa and former Speaker Meranda
A storm of controversy has surrounded the recent purchase of vehicles worth N5 billion for 40 lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly, adding fuel to the ongoing feud between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and former Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
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The controversy first came to light when it was revealed that Meranda, during her brief tenure as Speaker after Obasa was removed in January 2025, had led the purchase of approximately 39 vehicles for the lawmakers.
However, it has since emerged that Obasa had already approved a budget of N7 billion for the same purpose in December 2024 before his ousting.
Obasa was removed from his position by 35 of the 40 lawmakers in January, facing allegations of highhandedness and financial mismanagement, among other accusations.
Following this, Meranda was appointed as Speaker and served in the role for 49 days until her resignation on March 3, 2025, after pressure from the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obasa was subsequently re-elected as Speaker.
The battle over the vehicle purchase continues to be a point of contention between the two lawmakers, with Obasa challenging the legitimacy of the procurement during Meranda’s leadership.
Sources close to Obasa argue that while the vehicle purchase was approved during his tenure, he had intended for the vehicles to be bought from Dubai through his preferred bidder.
In contrast, Meranda opted for an open bidding process, sourcing the vehicles locally instead of from Dubai, a decision that reportedly angered Obasa.
An aide to Obasa, who requested anonymity, stated, “Obasa approved the purchase in December 2024, but his plan was to buy the vehicles from Dubai.
When Meranda took over, she made the process open for bidding, and that changed everything. The difference is in the execution, not the approval.”
On the other hand, Meranda’s spokesperson, Victor Ganzallo, has yet to issue a formal statement but previously indicated that one would be released soon.
However, sources close to Meranda have defended her actions, stating that she did not make any withdrawals from the House’s account but rather reviewed Obasa’s procurement approval, bringing the cost down by N2 billion.
Meranda’s camp claims she secured a better deal, purchasing 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven Toyota Land Cruiser 2025 units for N5 billion, significantly lower than the N7 billion approved by Obasa for 35 units of the Toyota Fortuner SUV and 10 units of the Toyota Prado, which had been planned for purchase from Dubai.
The source, who spoke anonymously, explained, “Meranda didn’t withdraw any funds; she simply reduced the costs by reviewing the existing procurement approval.
The vehicles were purchased locally, which saved the Assembly N2 billion. Unlike Obasa, who planned to import the cars from Dubai, Meranda secured a better quality deal locally.”
In the midst of these disputes, Obasa’s legal battle against Meranda and the Assembly continues.
His lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), elaborated on the ongoing legal proceedings, saying that the heavy allegations against Obasa, including highhandedness and fraudulent practices, must be resolved in court.
“We need to trash out these issues in court,” Afolabi stated, emphasizing that the case is far from over.
The Lagos State High Court, presided over by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, has scheduled the next hearing for March 17, 2025.
At the most recent hearing, counsel for the House of Assembly, Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s legal team had filed further affidavits on the day of the hearing, delaying the process.
As the legal and political drama continues, the controversy surrounding the vehicle purchase remains a significant issue in the already volatile leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Both sides are bracing for the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings, with significant political implications for the future of the Assembly.
