Meranda vs. Obasa: Lagos Car Budget Clash 

A fight over SUVs is shaking up the Lagos State House of Assembly, and it’s not just about four wheels and leather seats. At the centre of it all is Mojisola Meranda, who, in a twist of fate, seems to have found herself undoing a rather costly decision by Mudashiru Obasa.

Before his removal from Speakership, Obasa had reportedly signed off on a 7 billion plan for 45 SUVs, with a generous four units set aside for himself and his wives. Being a man of taste, he allegedly chose Toyota Fortuners sourced from Dubai. But Meranda came in, took a look at the figures, and decided to cut the cost by ₦2billion.

Rather than splurge on imports, it is alleged that Meranda approved a local purchase of 32 Toyota Prados and 7 Land Cruisers—a better deal, at a lower cost. However, what she got in return was a barrage of reports claiming she “withdrew” money, despite never taking a kobo from the Assembly’s account, according to sources.

Obasa’s return to power came with an immediate demand: give back the ₦5 billion and undo the purchase. The lawmakers, however, were not keen on trading in their brand-new Land Cruisers for older Fortuners. Who could blame them? Placed side by side, a Land Cruiser is a statement; a Fortuner is a compromise.

At its core, this is not just about cars. It’s about control. Meranda’s cost-saving decision seems to have disrupted an arrangement that had already been set in motion. Now, Obasa wants it reversed, but the lawmakers are standing their ground, refusing to swap their rides for his original picks.

Critics have pointed out that Obasa’s insistence that Meranda lacked the authority to approve the deal raises an interesting question: did he, then, have the right to spend 7 billion on imported SUVs, including extras for himself and his family? If authority is the issue, perhaps accountability should be, too.

For now, the Lagos Assembly remains divided, with some lawmakers unwilling to bow to Obasa’s demand. As the dust settles, it becomes clearer that Meranda didn’t just approve a car purchase. No, she saved the House ₦2 billion and drove a wedge into business as usual.