Real reason I stepped down for Obasa’s son – Lagos LG chairmanship aspirant

Oluwagbenga Abiola, Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, has dismissed claims that he was pressured to step down in favor of Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, in the race for local government chairman.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, Abiola reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and expressed full support for Abdulganiyu’s candidacy in the upcoming local government election.

“I was not forced or coerced,” Abiola said, adding that he remains a committed member of the party and stands by Speaker Obasa’s leadership and vision for Agege.

Earlier in the week, community stakeholders in Agege had publicly endorsed Abdulganiyu, stating that his emergence as the APC flagbearer was a way to honor his father’s longstanding humanitarian and political contributions to the local government area.

Abiola expressed his deep gratitude to Obasa for influencing his political journey and committed his unwavering support to the speaker’s leadership, vowing never to oppose the party’s direction or Obasa’s guidance.

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“Let me make it clear — 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.

“In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LG, 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?” Abiola said.

He admitted his ambition to become the local government chairman but insisted that he submit to 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. I respect and support that.

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

Abiola noted that service to people was his true goal and believed more opportunities would come in the future. He added that he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA) to fully support the party’s decision.

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

“I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory,” he stated.