In a significant political development in Lagos State, Hon. Tunde Azeez, the Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, has resigned due to health challenges. Consequently, his resignation has paved the way for Hon. AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa, son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, to assume the role of substantive chairman.
Azeez’s Resignation and Health Concerns
Hon. Tunde Azeez, widely known as “Disco”, tendered his resignation, citing health issues that hindered his ability to effectively perform his duties. The Legislative Arm of the council acknowledged his dedication and service, wishing him a swift recovery. The council emphasised the importance of prioritising personal health while maintaining governance integrity.
Vinod Obasa’s Appointment as Chairman
Following Azeez’s resignation, the council unanimously approved Hon. AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa as the new Chairman. Importantly, this decision reflects the council’s commitment to a seamless leadership transition and continued service delivery to Agege residents.
Background on AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa
AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa, 32, is the son of Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He has been actively involved in Agege politics, previously serving as vice chairman. Invariably, his appointment is seen as a continuation of his family’s political influence in the region.
Political Dynamics and Leadership Transition
The transition in Agege’s leadership has sparked discussions about political dynasties and governance continuity. Stakeholders emphasise the need for effective leadership to address community needs and ensure stability. Nevertheless, the council’s swift action aims to maintain governance integrity and public trust during this period.
Abdulganiyu Obasa’s Political Journey
Abdulganiyu Obasa’s entry into Agege’s political scene was marked by his initial aspiration to contest the chairmanship position. However, in April 2025, he withdrew from the race following the intervention of party leaders. Reports indicated that some APC leaders advised Speaker Obasa to convince his son to step down to prevent potential party conflicts. Consequently, Abdulganiyu’s name was absent from the list of cleared aspirants for the July 12, 2025, council election.
Support from Party Members
Despite his withdrawal from the chairmanship race, Abdulganiyu Obasa continued to receive support from party members. Notably, Vice Chairman Oluwagbenga Abiola, a political protégé of Speaker Obasa, stepped down from his own chairmanship bid in favour of Abdulganiyu. However, Abiola emphasised his loyalty to his leader, stating, “I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.”
Youth Support and Community Engagement
Abdulganiyu’s political journey also garnered support from youth groups. The Agege Youth Vanguard (AYV) endorsed his candidacy, citing his track record of youth engagement and commitment to grassroots development. The group’s coordinator, Ismaeel Garba, expressed confidence in Abdulganiyu’s ability to bring positive change to Agege.
Implications for Agege’s Political Landscape
The appointment of Abdulganiyu Obasa as acting chairman underscores the influence of political dynasties in Agege’s governance. It also highlights the complexities of leadership transitions and the importance of party unity. As Acting Chairman, Abdulganiyu faces the challenge of addressing community needs while navigating the expectations of party stakeholders and residents.
Conclusion
The recent developments in Agege’s local government leadership reflect the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics. The swift transition following Azeez’s resignation and Abdulganiyu Obasa’s appointment as acting chairman demonstrates the council’s commitment to effective governance. However, the acceptance of this change by the authorities in Abuja and Lagos remains uncertain, especially as President Bola Tinubu seems to be in between Sanwo-Olu’s rift with his father (Speaker). Nonetheless, as Abdulganiyu steps into this role, the community and party members await the continuation of developmental initiatives and the fulfillment of governance responsibilities
