The Lagos High Court recently ruled that the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was not only unconstitutional but also a faulty process that did not meet the requirements of the law. With that pronouncement, the gavel sounded and thus effectively ended Honourable Mojisola Meranda’s short stint as Speaker, who had never been at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Against this backdrop, KEHINDE OLATUNJI examines the challenges of women’s participation in Lagos State politics.
She came, she saw, and she remains unconquered. It is said that the joy of democracy lies in participation. As such, the brief tenure of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, will always stand in the history books as a sad but poignant reminder of women’s challenges in Nigerian politics.
Her sudden emergence as Speaker, a position that many had hoped would signal a breakthrough for women in leadership roles, Meranda appeared ready to square up to public expectations from a Madam Speaker. But, before she could get accustomed to sounding the gavel, she was ultimately forced to resign in a move that practically placed party politics over and above merit, equity and fairness.
The power play in the Lagos State House of Assembly largely highlights the broader problems surrounding women’s participation in politics in Lagos State. For instance, women have been part of the success story of the progressive politics in the state. But, while women have played crucial roles in supporting various candidates in successive elections and contributing to their successes, party women are often consigned to behind-the-scenes roles, without corresponding representation in leadership positions.
The lack of women in key roles, such as party chairpersons or appearances on the ballot as gubernatorial candidates, underscores the stark gender disparity in the state’s political landscape. It is against this background that Meranda’s sudden resignation shortly after he emerged as Speaker becomes revealing. For the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the dearth of women in influential positions raises questions about the party’s commitment to gender parity in the state’s politics.
Checks by The Guardian reveal that even in the grassroots politics at the various Local Government Councils, the marginalisation of women remains apparent. The indices are readily available. For instance, record shows that currently, out of 57 local councils in the state, only 10 are manned by females
These lucky few include: Dr Funmilayo Akande-Muhammed of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA; Hon. Mrs Bolatito Abiodun Shobiwale of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA; Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun of Epe LG; Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba of Ijede LCDA; Hon. Banjo Adeola Adebisi of Ikorodu North LCDA; Hon. Bada Abolanle Sammy of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and Hon. Adu Rasheedat Abiodun of Iru-Victoria Island LCDA.
Others are: Hon. Essien Imolola Rashidat of Lagos Mainland LG; Hon. Olabisi Adebajo of Mosan-Okunola LCDA and Hon. Ramotallahi Hassan Akinola of Oriade LCDA. Also, just four or 10 per cent of the 40 lawmakers in Lagos Assembly are women.
And so, having resigned her position to allow her predecessor’s return and resumption as Speaker, Meranda now holds the record of the shortest-serving speaker, whose tenure was expunged from the roll by the court.
Pushback on gender policy
Many Lagos residents believe that Meranda’s ordeals have cast a shadow on the progressive push to bridge the gender gap in politics. The inferential conclusion is that the unkind development has further dampened the interest and enthusiasm of more women to participate in public service.
Statistics show that women and girls represent half of the world’s population. Against that backdrop, it is believed that women now play a vital role in human progress and occupy a significant place in society. That could explain why gender equality and empowerment are presented as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations to be attained by the year 2030.
However, experience has shown that gender equality in Nigeria seems to be constrained by cultural practices, which elevate patriarchy to an absurd degree. For instance, in a recent report, the UN revealed that an additional $360 billion is needed yearly to achieve gender equality globally. Although the international organisation said there has been discernible progress over the last decade, it lamented that the world is not yet on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.
The numbers indicate that Africa’s most populous nation consistently ranks low in global comparisons of women’s political representation, especially in parliamentary roles. Even as Nigeria parades a National Gender Policy that aims to increase women’s representation, implementation remains inconsistent.
According to the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index data of the World Economic Forum, Nigeria ranked 136th out of 146 countries in political empowerment. “In political empowerment, Nigeria ranks among the bottom 10 performers (136th) with a parity score of 6.6 per cent, but improvements in particular on ministerial positions since 2023, with women’s representation rising from 10.7 per cent in 2023 to 17.6 per cent in 2024, (a score change from 12 per cent to 21.4 per cent),” the report stated.
Reflecting on the subject matter, a legal practitioner and former national president of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Malachy Ugwummadu, told The Guardian that there has been growing concern over the challenges that women face in politics, particularly in Lagos State.
He remarked that recent developments, including the Meranda and Natasha Akpoti-Uduahan cases, seem to be further squeezing the space for female participation in politics. “This trend not only discourages, but also threatens the desire for many women to participate in the volatile political atmosphere,” Ugwummadu asserted.
While questioning the logic behind the treatment meted to these women, Ugwummadu said it suggests the likelihood of a deliberate attempt to limit their involvement in politics, even as he expressed doubts whether many women would be willing to navigate the challenges that the two women confronted.
Call for action
According to the legal practitioner, “the absence of the rule of law and the dominance of power blocs and godfathers in politics contribute to women’s uncertainty and unpredictability. Despite these challenges, women should organise and mobilise like-minded individuals to address the situation.”
He maintained that “women can gain the upper hand if they come together, discountenance fear, and face the challenges head-on,” adding that by doing so, they can create a more level playing field and increase their participation in the political process.
“The drama that played out in the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Ugwummadu further said, “was convoluted and inconsistent with common sense and reasoning. It has become confusing to many.”
He cited the instance of the legislative arm of government taking directives from external bodies, disregarding resolutions already taken, and making U-turns on decisions. He drew parallels with the Rivers State House of Representatives scenario, where members denied their defection despite a Supreme Court sanction and expressed scepticism about the workings of the political system.
While questioning the logic behind the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly despite being effectively removed by the majority members, Ugwummadu declared: “The coincidence of Miranda and Natasha seems to be a further contraction, squeezing of the space against the female gender in a way that not only discourages, but threatens the desire for many women to jump into a very hostile and volatile political atmosphere.
“I’m not sure that out of ten, there will be up to two women who would be interested in going through what Natasha Akpoti is going through or what Meranda went through as a politician.
“This is a wake-up call. Even their political godfather clearly and rightly said that ‘power is never served on a platter.’ Once it’s clear that those are the variables at play, in terms of uncertainty in the rules, in terms of the overbearing influence of power blocs, in terms of the dominance of godfathers and mothers, then it behooves the victims, particularly the female victims, to further organise and mobilise able men of conscience, who are opposed to that kind of transgression and then deal with the situation one way or another.”
In her contribution, a political analyst, Mrs Abimbola Bankole, noted that the development has further undermined the role of women in leadership roles, stressing that it raises questions about the state’s commitment to promoting gender equality.
She stated: “The recent crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, where a woman was asked to step aside for a male counterpart, gives credence to the debate on the widening gap in gender parity in politics. “
“Lagos State, being a cosmopolitan and supposedly progressive state, is expected to be a shining example for others. However, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Even the position of deputy governor, which was always allotted to women, has been taken over.
“The lack of representation of women in key positions is evident, and the recent assembly crisis has only exacerbated the issue. The state’s efforts to promote gender mainstreaming across various policies are notable, but more needs to be done to ensure effective implementation.”
Bankole stressed the need for greater representation and inclusion of women in leadership roles, stressing, “As Lagos State moves forward, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritise gender parity and create opportunities for women to take on more prominent roles in politics.”
Also, the Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria (AAN), Andrew Mamedu, while describing women as the backbone of the economy, democracy, and communities, noted that “they lead, innovate, and build.”
“Yet, in Nigeria, we continue to witness systemic efforts to stifle women’s participation, particularly in male-dominated spaces. From governance to corporate leadership and civil society, women who challenge the status quo often face intimidation, harassment, and exclusion.
“Prioritising women’s rights and empowerment is not just a moral obligation, but an economic and social imperative. All tiers of government, federal, state, and local, must take decisive action by implementing policies and programmes that create real and lasting impact for women and girls.
“Increased investments in gender-responsive public services are essential to ensuring women have equitable access to land ownership, financial inclusion, and decent work opportunities,” he stated.
“The federal and state governments must strengthen and enforce laws that protect women from gender-based violence, ensure swift and fair judicial processes for survivors, and eliminate barriers that hinder access to justice. Leadership structures must be comprehensively overhauled to enable women’s full and active participation in governance, policymaking, and economic development.”
