Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has been confirmed as the new Chairman of Agege Local Government Area. His emergence follows the resignation of the former council chairman, Alhaji Tunde Azeez, who officially stepped down from office due to health reasons.
The development marks a major leadership change in one of Lagos State’s most politically active local government areas. Agege, a densely populated part of Lagos with a strong history of political influence, has been under the leadership of Azeez since the last local government election. However, he had been on medical leave since the swearing-in of the new administration, paving the way for a new council head.
According to reports from the Agege council secretariat, the local government executive committee and council legislators approved Abdul-Ganiyu’s appointment during a plenary session earlier this week. The decision was reached after consultations between community leaders, council officials, and the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The move was described as necessary to avoid a vacuum in leadership, especially with pressing developmental issues in the council area.
Abdul-Ganiyu’s appointment has drawn attention both within and outside Agege, given his father’s long-standing political influence in Lagos State. Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, his father, has been Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015, making him one of the longest-serving speakers in the state’s history.
Some community members have expressed optimism that Abdul-Ganiyu’s youthful energy will bring new ideas into local governance, while others have raised concerns over what they described as “political succession” in Lagos politics.
Before his resignation, Alhaji Tunde Azeez had been largely absent from council duties since the start of the current tenure, reportedly due to health challenges. His extended absence had slowed down some projects and affected administrative activities in the local government.
Confirming the resignation, a senior council official said: “Chairman Azeez has been unwell for some time and had to prioritise his health. The council appreciates his years of service, but we also need continuous leadership to keep development projects running. That is why the appointment of a new chairman became necessary.”
Azeez’s resignation officially took effect last week after a letter was submitted to the Lagos State Government, clearing the way for the emergence of a replacement.
Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, though relatively young, has been active in community affairs in Agege. Sources close to the family say he has previously served in various youth and development committees within the local government and has shown interest in grassroots politics for several years.
Supporters of the new chairman say he represents a fresh generation of leaders who can blend modern ideas with community values. They also note that his appointment could encourage more young people to get involved in politics.
Reactions in Agege have been mixed. Some residents expressed hope that the new chairman will focus on improving infrastructure, sanitation, and education within the community. Others, however, questioned the transparency of the process, arguing that local appointments should reflect broader community consensus.
A resident, Mrs. Titi Ogunleye, said, “We are happy to finally have someone in charge. Agege has been quiet for months because of the leadership gap. If he can continue where the last chairman stopped and listen to the people, we will support him.”
However, another resident, Mr. Femi Lawal, urged the new chairman to prove that his appointment was based on merit. “We know his father is a powerful man in Lagos politics, but what we want to see is competence. Agege deserves real development,” he said.
Agege is one of the most politically significant local government areas in Lagos. It has produced several prominent politicians, including Speaker Obasa himself, who began his political career there. The area has also been a consistent stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with active grassroots mobilisation and strong party structures.
The local government is home to a diverse population, including large numbers of traders, artisans, and civil servants. Developmental challenges such as waste management, road maintenance, and youth unemployment remain key issues that the new administration will have to address.
Observers believe Abdul-Ganiyu’s performance in the coming months will determine whether he can win the trust of residents and prove his leadership capacity beyond his father’s influence.
As Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa takes over as Agege Local Government Chairman, expectations are high. Residents hope for continuity in ongoing projects and new initiatives to improve local infrastructure and social welfare.
The young chairman’s emergence also adds to the ongoing national conversation about youth inclusion in governance — a key talking point for the Tinubu administration, which has repeatedly called for more young people to take part in decision-making at all levels.
