By seun OLOKETUYI

In the dynamic and evolving political landscape of Lagos, few names resonate with as much promise, dedication, and authenticity as Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. Her recent emergence as the Speaker of the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly marks a historic milestone in her political career, reinforcing her status as a visionary leader and a formidable force in the state’s governance.

Her journey into public service is not only a testament to her resilience but also to her illustrious heritage. Born on August 16, 1980, into the esteemed family of the late Chief T. A. Lawal Akapo, the Ojora of Lagos, and Princess M. A. Lawal-Akapo, Mojisola Meranda embodies the rich history and values of Lagos royalty. Her lineage connects her to the Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru royal families—dynasties that have long stood as pillars of tradition and leadership in Lagos State. With these roots, her commitment to her constituents and the broader Lagos populace is deeply personal.

A Journey of Service and Leadership

First elected in 2015 to represent the Apapa Constituency-1, Mrs Meranda has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her constituents. Her re-elections in 2019 and 2023 underscore the trust and confidence that the people of Apapa have in her leadership. Her tenure in the Lagos State House of Assembly has been marked by groundbreaking initiatives, progressive legislation, and a focus on refining existing laws to meet modern demands.

Before taking the mantle of Speaker, Mrs Meranda served as Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip of the 9th Assembly, roles that showcased her legislative acumen and ability to unite diverse voices within the House. Her approach to governance is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a passion for driving real change for the people of Lagos.

Her educational background mirrors her versatility and commitment to excellence. From her foundational years at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School to her ongoing academic pursuits at the University of Lagos, Mrs Meranda has always been a beacon of determination. Her Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Lagos State University and her advanced certificate in software development highlight her adaptability in a world that demands both traditional leadership and technological proficiency.

Legislative Achievements and Constituency Impact

Mrs Meranda’s legislative philosophy centers on pragmatic solutions. Rather than merely proposing new laws, she has focused on repealing outdated laws and amending existing ones to reflect contemporary realities. Her leadership style prioritizes enforceable policies that directly improve the lives of Lagosians.

In her constituency, she has spearheaded transformative projects, including medical outreaches, provision of JAMB forms for students, vocational training for automobile mechanics, school refurbishments, water projects, and economic empowerment initiatives for petty traders and widows. These projects underscore her dedication to grassroots development and her deep understanding of the challenges faced by everyday Lagosians.

A Champion for Gender Equality

As one of only four women in the 40-member Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Meranda’s leadership as Speaker is a powerful symbol of progress for women in Nigerian politics. Her advocacy for gender equality and fair representation has inspired countless women to pursue leadership roles.

Her journey has not been without its challenges, but her resilience remains unshaken. “Power is not served à la carte,” she often says—a mantra that encapsulates her commitment to hard work, strategic networking, and focused campaigning.

Vision for an Inclusive and Progressive Lagos

Mrs Meranda’s vision for Lagos is one of inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable development. Her approach to governance is centered on ensuring that every citizen, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, has a voice in shaping the future of Lagos.

Under her leadership, the Lagos State House of Assembly is poised to prioritize policies that address critical areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. With her at the helm, Lagosians can expect a legislature that works in tandem with the executive arm to deliver tangible results for the state.

A Symbol of Hope and Excellence

Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda’s ascension as Speaker is not just a personal milestone but a victory for inclusive governance in Lagos. As the Royal Princess speaks for the good of Lagos, her words and actions will undoubtedly echo far beyond the hallowed halls of the Assembly.

Her story is a beacon of hope for women, young leaders, and every Lagosian aspiring for a better future. With her dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to public service, the people of Lagos can rest assured that the state’s leadership is in capable hands.

Congratulations Omo Ojora Apasa, Omo Oyinbo Dudu Lode Iganmu, Kekeniju. May Almighty God guide you as you embark on this new chapter of service and leadership.

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited (also known as Seplat Energy Plc) and 12 senior officials of the company have been dragged to court by the Federal Government of Nigeria for alleged tax evasion amounting to the sum of $37.5 million, The Witness reports.

The 12 officials of the oil firm listed in the suit are: Roger Brown (CEO), Samson Ezugworie (COO/ED0; Eleanor Adaralegbe (CFO/ED); Effiong Okon (MD, ANOH Gas); Ayodele Olatunde (MD, Seplat West); Obi Ada Itotoi (MD, Seplat East); Pius Ozoemenah Udeh (MD, Elcrest); Edith Owuchekwa (Company Secretary); Chioma Yvonne Afe (Dir. External Affairs); Okechukwu Mba (Dir. New Energy); Alasdair Mackenzie (Dir. Strategy & Planning) and Steve Ojeh (Dir. Corporate Services).

In the Suit No: FHC/L/ 982C/24, filed before the Federal High Court, Lagos division by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, on behalf of the federal government, it was alleged that Seplat Petroleum and 12 of its officials, sometime in 2010, in Nigeria did purchase a participating interest in the producing assets of OML 4, OML 38 and OML 41 and failed or evaded to pay the statutory stamp duty imposed on the Purchase Agreement and the accruing interest in the sum of $37,581,083.40 to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The FIRS alleged that by evading the said tax, the company and its officials committed an offence, contrary to S. 23 of the Stamp Duties Act and punishable under S.111 and 112 of the Stamp Duties Act (as amended).

The defendants were also alleged to have counterfeited the seal of the Commissioner of Stamp Duties by inserting same on the purchase agreement of OML 4, OML 38, and OML 41.

The five count charge filed before the court by the FIRS against Seplat Petroleum and its officials are:

COUNT 1: That you SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD, ROGER BROWN, SAMSON EZUGWORIE, ELEANOR ADARALEGBE,EFFIONG OKON, AYODELE OLATUNDE, IBI ADA ITOTOI, PIUS OZOEMENAM UDEH, EDITH ONWUCHEKWA, CHIOMA YVONNE AFE.OKECHUKWU MBA, ALASDAIR MACKENZIE and STEVE OJEH, sometime in 2010, in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did purchase a participating interest in the producing assets of OML 4, OML 38 and OML 4I and failed or evaded to pay the statutory stamp duty imposed on the executed Purchase Agreement and the accruing interest in the sum of $37,581,083.40 (Thirty seven million, live hundred and eighty one thousand, eighty three dollars and forty cents only) a sum due and payable to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in so doing, committed an offence, contrary to S. 23 of the Stamp Duties Act and punishable under S.111 and 112 of the Stamp Duties Act (as amended).

COUNT 2: That you SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, ROGER BROWN, SAMSON EZUGWORIE, ELEANOR ADARALEGBE,EFFIONG OKON, AYODELE OLATUNDE, IBI ADA ITOTOI, PIUS OZOEMENAM UDEH, EDITH ONWUCHEKWA, CHIOMA YVONNE AFE.OKECHUKWU MBA, ALASDAIR MACKENZIE and STEVE OJEH, sometime in 2010, in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did purchase a participating interest in the producing assets of OML 4, OML 38 and OML 41 and did unlawfully and willfully evade the payment and remittance of duties, fines, penalties and debts due to the Government of the Federation imposed on the executed Purchase Agreement to acquire Oil Mining Lease 4, 38 and 41, in the sum of $37,581,083.40 (Thirty seven million, five hundred and eighty one thousand and forty cents only) and in so doing, committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under S. 111 and 112 of the Stamp Duties Act (as amended).

COUNT 3: That you SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, ROGER BROWN, SAMSON EZUGWORIE, ELEANOR ADARALEGBE, EFFIONG OKON, AYODELE OLATUNDE, IBI ADA ITOTOI, PIUS OZOEMENAM UDEH, EDITH ONWUCHEKWA, CHIOMA YVONNE AFE, OKECHUKWU MBA, ALASDAIR MACKENZIE and STEVE OJEH, sometime in 2010, in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did purchase a participating interest in the producing assets of OML 4, OML 38 the executed Purchase Agreements and the accruing interest in the sum of S eighty three dollars and forty cents only), a sum due and payable to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in so doing, committed an offence contrary to and punishable under S. 32 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act 2007 (as amended).

COUNT 4: That you SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, ROGER BROWN, SAMSON EZUGWORIE, ELEANOR ADARALEGBE, EFFIONG OKON, AYODELE OLATUNDE, IBI ADA ITOTOI, PIUS OZOEMENAM UDEH, EDITH ONWUCHEKWA, CHIOMA YVONNE AFE, OKECHUKWU MBA, ALASDAIR MACKENZIE and STEVE OJEH, sometime in 2010, in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did purchase a participating interest in the producing assets of OML 4, OML 38and OML 41 and failed or evaded to pay the statutory stamp duty imposed on the executed Purchase Agreement and the accruing interest in the sum of $37,581,083.40 (thirty seven million1, five hundred and eighty one thousand, eighty three dollars and forty cents only a sum due and payable to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in so doing, committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under S.40 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act 2007 (as amended).

COUNT 5: That you SEPLATPETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, ROGER BROWN, SAMSON EZUGWORIE, ELEANOR ADARALEGBE, EFFIONG OKON, AYODELE OLATUNDE, IBI ADA ITOTOI, PIUS OZOEMENAM UDEH, EDITH ONWUCHEKWA, CHIOMA YVONNE AFE, OKECHUKWU MBA and STEVE OJEH on or about 2010 in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did counterfeit the seal of the Commissioner of Stamp Duties by inserting same on the purchase agreement of OML 4, OML 38 and OML 41, for the purposes of verification relating to the taxes thereat and thereby committed an offence, contrary to S.43 (c) and punishable under S.43 ( c) of the Federal Inland Revenue Establishment Act 2007 (as amended).

When contacted, Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy, told The Witness via a text message that “The matter is in court and as such we cannot comment on it. Further information will be shared at an appropriate time as needed,”

Meanwhile, the matter has been fixed for February 28, 2025 for trial.

Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, a member representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State in the House of Representatives, is dead.

A statement by the Spokesman, House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., on Wednesday night said the lawmaker died on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.

Onanuga, popularly known as IJAYA, until her passing, served as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Green Chamber.

She was aged 59.

According to the statement “Representative Onanuga, born on December 2, 1965, was a dedicated public servant, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for her constituents. She was first elected to the House in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). During that tenure, she served as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly, where she championed policies to empower women and advance social welfare.

“Re-elected in 2023, she was appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, a role in which she demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to legislative discipline, particularly during parliamentary sittings.

Affectionately known as ‘ _Ijaya_,’ Rep. Onanuga’s intellect, passion, humility, and drive for excellence earned her admiration among her colleagues and constituents alike. Her impactful contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape reflected her passion for creating a better society and her tireless dedication to public service.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, associates, the Government and People of Ogun State – particularly the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North constituency – and the entire membership of the National Assembly. As we mourn the loss of this vibrant and committed lawmaker, whose life was devoted to improving the lives of Nigerians – especially her constituents – her legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire future generations.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced by her family in due course. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come,”