Oluwagbenga Abiola, the vice-chairman of Agege Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State, has stepped down from the upcoming council chairmanship race to support Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Abiola had been a strong contender for the chairmanship ahead of the July 12 elections. However, he decided to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has endorsed Abdulganiyu as their official candidate in Agege.

In an interview, Abiola expressed his loyalty to Speaker Obasa, describing him as the key figure behind his political rise. He stated, “I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.” Abiola shared how Obasa had helped shape his career, from appointing him special assistant on media in 2015 to making him the youngest council boss in Lagos State in 2016.

Abiola further mentioned his rise through the local government ranks, from serving as secretary in 2017 to becoming vice-chairman in 2021. He credited these achievements to Obasa’s influence and support.

Abiola made it clear that his decision to withdraw was not because of pressure but out of respect for party discipline and trust in the leadership’s decision. He added, “Yes, I aspired. Every vice chairman dreams of becoming chairman, but the party has spoken, and I fully agree.”

The decision to support Abdulganiyu came after local stakeholders in Agege requested that Obasa’s son run for chairmanship, in recognition of the speaker’s dedication to the community.