‘He built me politically’: Lagos LG chairmanship aspirant steps down for Obasa’s son

The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State and a leading chairmanship aspirant in the July 12 council election, Oluwagbenga Abiola, has stepped down for Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

Abiola announced his withdrawal from the chairmanship race in Lagos on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

He expressed satisfaction with the choice of Abdulganiyu as the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) flagbearer in the forthcoming local government election.

Agege stakeholders had on Monday urged Obasa to allow his son contest the council chairmanship.

According to them, this would reward the Speaker’s years of humanitarian service and political impact in Agege.

Reacting to claims that he faced pressure to withdraw, Abiola said he remained deeply grateful to Obasa for shaping his political journey.

He pledged total support for the Speaker’s leadership and said he would never oppose the party’s direction or Obasa’s guidance.

Abiola said: “I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

“This is the man who made me. He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015.

‘Others now seeing what I saw before 2023 election’: Wike lauds Oborevwori, Okowa for joining APC

“In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government; thanks to his recommendation to the governor.

“That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time.

“In 2017, I became Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, Vice Chairman — all through the party’s and Speaker’s support.

“So tell me, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”

He admitted his ambition to become chairman, but insisted he must submit to the party’s collective decision.

Abiola added: “Yes, I aspired. Every vice chairman dreams of becoming chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree.

“Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son contest. I respect and support that.

“I stand with Obasa, with APC Agege, and with all decisions taken by the party and stakeholders.”

He further stated that he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA) to support the party’s decision.

The Star