The vice chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, Oluwagbenga Abiola, has stated that he was not pressured to step down for the son of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, in the local government chairmanship race.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola affirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Speaker Obasa, expressing satisfaction with Abdulganiyu Obasa’s emergence as the APC flagbearer for the upcoming local government poll.
Agege stakeholders had urged Obasa on Monday to allow his son, Abdulganiyu, to contest the local government council chairmanship, stating that it would reward the speaker’s years of humanitarian service and political impact in Agege LGA.
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.
“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.
