Power Shift in Agege: Abiola Steps Down for Speaker Obasa’s Son Ahead of Council Polls

Oluwagbenga Abiola, vice-chairman of Agege Local Government Area (LGA), has stepped down from the chairmanship race, throwing his full weight behind Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

Abiola, who was widely considered a frontrunner in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries scheduled for July 12, said his decision was rooted in loyalty, gratitude, and long-term vision.

“Let me make it clear — I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa,” Abiola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. “This is the man who made me.”

Abiola recalled how his political journey was shaped under the mentorship of Speaker Obasa — starting from his appointment as Special Assistant on Media in 2015, to becoming Lagos’ youngest sole administrator in 2016, and eventually rising to Secretary and then Vice Chairman of Agege LGA.

With a tone of deep respect and strategic deference, Abiola dismissed any rumors of coercion behind his withdrawal, stating that the party’s decision was final and deserving of full support.

“Yes, I aspired. Every vice chairman dreams of becoming chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree,” he said.

According to Abiola, influential stakeholders within Agege had appealed to the Speaker to allow his son to run, citing his long-standing humanitarian and political contributions to the community. The APC’s endorsement of Abdulganiyu Obasa is seen by many as a gesture of appreciation and continuity.

Demonstrating party loyalty and a long view of his political future, Abiola pledged allegiance to the APC’s direction and encouraged his supporters to fall in line.

“I trust my leader,” he said. “He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right.”

Abiola also directed members of his political base, the Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA), to mobilise and support Abdulganiyu’s candidacy as the council prepares for what promises to be a closely watched election.