Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola, Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, has withdrew his candidature for the LG chairmanship seat in the approaching council election on July 12, 2025.
Abiola stated that he stepped aside in favour of Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Abiola, the Speaker’s political protégé, claims his decision was motivated by his allegiance to Obasa and denies being pressured to resign.
Abiola spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday, reaffirming his commitment to the party and Speaker Obasa.
Abiola spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday, reaffirming his allegiance to the party and Speaker Obasa.
He insisted that his retirement was a voluntary and conscious decision in support of Obasa’s son.
On Monday, Agege stakeholders encouraged Obasa to allow his son, Abdulganiyu, to run for council chairman, citing the Speaker’s major contributions to the development of Agege and his long-standing political influence in the area.
In reaction to reports that he was persuaded to withdraw, Abiola stated unequivocally that he still valued Obasa’s role in his political career.
He also vowed his entire support for the Speaker’s leadership, stressing that he would never go against the party’s direction or Obasa’s instructions.
“I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me,” Abiola stated. “He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015.
“In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LGA, 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, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”
Although Abiola comfirmed having aspired to the chairmanship, he made it clear that he respected the party’s collective decision.
“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 to contest, and I respect and support that,” he stated.
Abiola also stated his commitment to serving the people, stating that he believed greater opportunities would come in the future.
“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right,” he said. “I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory.”
Abiola mentioned he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance to fully support the party’s decision.
