Why I Withdrew From Chairmanship Race for Speaker Obasa’s Son — Agege LG Vice Chairman
Oluwagbenga Abiola, Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, has clarified that he willingly stepped down from the chairmanship race in favor of Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola emphasized that he was under no pressure to withdraw, expressing his unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to Speaker Obasa. He voiced his full support for Abdulganiyu Obasa’s candidacy as the APC flagbearer in the forthcoming local government elections.
On Monday, stakeholders in Agege called on Speaker Obasa to allow his son to contest, describing it as a fitting recognition of the speaker’s years of public service and political leadership within the community.
Abiola, in his remarks, expressed deep appreciation to Obasa for playing a key role in his political growth and reiterated his loyalty to the party’s leadership.
“Let me be clear — I will never oppose my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. He is the one who shaped my political career,” Abiola said.
He recounted his rise in politics, attributing each milestone to Obasa’s influence: his 2015 appointment as Special Assistant on Media when Obasa became Speaker; his 2016 appointment as Sole Administrator of Agege LG, making him the youngest council boss in Lagos at the time; his subsequent role as Local Government Secretary in 2017; and his current position as Vice Chairman, all achieved with Obasa’s backing.
Abiola acknowledged his ambition to become chairman but stated that he accepted the party’s collective decision.
“Of course, I had aspirations. Every vice chairman naturally hopes to become chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully support their decision,” he said.
He highlighted the unity among stakeholders and party leaders in endorsing Abdulganiyu Obasa’s candidacy and pledged his continued commitment to the APC and the people of Agege.
“My goal has always been to serve the people. I believe more opportunities will come, and I trust Speaker Obasa to guide me toward greater responsibilities when the time is right.”
Abiola added that he had directed members of the Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA) to support the party’s choice, reaffirming his dedication to the APC’s success in the upcoming election.
