Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa as the substantive Chairman of Agege Local Government, ushering in a fresh chapter in the administration of the council.
Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa is the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Monday at Lagos House, Ikeja, where the governor also administered the oath of office to Toyin Adejimiwa as a Permanent Secretary.
The occasion was attended by senior government functionaries, party chieftains and retired senior civil servants.
At the event, Sanwo-Olu urged the newly inaugurated council chairman to govern with equity and moderation.
He cautioned against decisions or actions capable of causing division among residents, emphasizing that leadership at the local government level should foster unity at the grassroots.
The governor noted that local governments represent the tier of administration closest to the people. He stressed that council chairmen must be approachable, empathetic and attentive to the needs of their communities, adding that development at that level should be practical, people-centred and results-driven.
Sanwo-Olu further advised Obasa to steer clear of policies that might generate conflict in Agege. He encouraged him to prioritise inclusive leadership, collaboration and efficient service delivery that would have a direct impact on residents’ welfare.
He also reminded public officials that discipline and productivity remain central to advancement within the Lagos State public service.
According to the governor, leadership is ultimately measured by performance and outcomes, rather than title or personal background.
Prior to his confirmation as substantive chairman, he had been serving in an acting capacity at the council.
The governor also acknowledged the presence of retired permanent secretaries at the ceremony, describing them as committed public servants whose years of service have continued to influence and strengthen the state’s civil service.
Obasa’s appointment followed the resignation of the former chairman, Hon. Tunde Azeez, who stepped aside after proceeding on medical leave shortly after assuming office. His resignation created the opportunity for Obasa, who was then vice chairman, to take over the leadership of the council.
Providing clarification at the time, the media aide to the former chairman said, “Tunde Azeez has been long sick and his decision to resign and devote his attention to his health rather than being weighed down by the responsibility of that office is the wise decision any sane person should take.”
He added, “The beneficiary of that excellent decision, Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa is a visionary young man who in the last few months of Azeez’s absence has demonstrated uncommon capacity. I think Agege is lucky to have both guys.”
Notwithstanding these explanations, the leadership change has continued to draw criticism. Opposition parties have labelled the development a “carefully scripted succession,” questioning the transparency of internal party procedures.
They contend that opposition from certain stakeholders during the local government election period pointed to underlying rifts within the ruling party at the council level.
Supporters of the new chairman, however, maintain that the process complied with the law and was based solely on health-related considerations. They argue that leadership simply moved from “a sick man who chose recovery over politics” to “a young leader prepared to serve.”
