In a significant development ahead of the July 12, 2025, local government elections in Lagos State, Mr. Oluwagbenga Abiola, Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, has announced his withdrawal from the chairmanship race. Abiola stated that his decision was made out of loyalty to his political mentor, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and to support Obasa's son, Abdulganiyu Obasa, for the chairmanship position.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday, Abiola emphasized that his withdrawal was voluntary and not due to any external pressure. He affirmed his unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to Speaker Obasa's leadership.
However, the move has sparked controversy among stakeholders in Agege. A group known as the Concerned Citizens of Agege has expressed strong opposition to what they perceive as an attempt by Speaker Obasa to impose his son as the next chairman of the local government. In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership in Lagos State, the group argued that Abdulganiyu Obasa lacks political experience and is unknown to the local party base. They warned that such imposition could lead to internal crises within the party.
The group stated, "The good people of Agege and Orile Agege are no longer silent. We have endured decades of underperformance, political manipulation, and failed promises from the Father. Since his arrival in office, not a single meaningful empowerment programme has been delivered to the people.
The current Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, has also weighed in on the matter. He clarified that no local government chairman in Nigeria has the authority to nominate a successor, emphasizing that such powers lie with the governors and the president.
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