Oluwagbenga Abiola, the vice-chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos, has withdrawn from the forthcoming council chairmanship race, throwing his weight behind Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
Abiola, once considered a leading contender for the July 12 Lagos council polls, announced his decision during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
He described the move as one of loyalty and gratitude to a political mentor who has played a significant role in shaping his career.
“Let me make it clear — I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa,” Abiola stated. “This is the man who made me.”
Tracing his political journey, Abiola recalled being appointed as Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker in 2015.
His career later advanced through key roles, including Sole Administrator of Agege in 2016, Secretary to the Local Government in 2017, and eventually, Vice Chairman in 2021 — all made possible through Obasa’s support.
While some speculated he may have been pressured to step down, Abiola firmly denied the claim, reiterating that his decision was based on party loyalty and personal conviction.
“Yes, I aspired. Every vice chairman dreams of becoming chairman, but the party has spoken, and I fully agree,” he said.
“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right.”
He also noted that various stakeholders in Agege had urged Speaker Obasa to allow his son to vie for the chairmanship position, as a form of appreciation for his enduring service and impact on the community.
In a show of solidarity, Abiola directed members of the Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA), a political support group under his coordination, to rally behind the APC’s selected candidate.