Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, December 22, 2025, formally swore in Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa as the substantive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, a densely populated district in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and commercial capital, charging him to focus on people-oriented governance and community development.
The inauguration ceremony took place at Lagos House, Ikeja, the official seat of the Lagos State Government. The event also featured the swearing-in of Toyin Adejimiwa as a Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service, highlighting the state administration’s continued restructuring and strengthening of public institutions. Okay News reports that the ceremony drew senior government officials, retired top civil servants, and political stakeholders.
Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa had previously served as Acting Chairman of Agege Local Government following a leadership vacuum. He is the son of Mudasiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Nigeria’s most economically influential state legislature. His confirmation and inauguration formally ended months of interim administration at the council level.
Addressing the newly inaugurated officials, Governor Sanwo-Olu described local government administration as the closest tier of government to the people, stressing that leadership at that level must be responsive, visible, and compassionate. He urged the Agege council chairman to adopt inclusive governance, warning against actions that could divide the community.
The governor further emphasised that measurable performance, discipline, and accountability remain the core benchmarks for leadership progression in Lagos State. According to him, governance at the grassroots must translate into improved service delivery, infrastructural development, and social stability for residents.
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the presence of retired Permanent Secretaries at the event, praising them as exemplary public servants whose legacies continue to shape and inspire the Lagos State Civil Service. He described their careers as models of integrity and dedication to public service.
Congratulating both Adejimiwa and Obasa on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, the governor expressed confidence that they would justify the trust reposed in them and make meaningful contributions to the continued growth and development of the state.
In their separate responses, Toyin Adejimiwa and Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa thanked the governor for the confidence placed in them and pledged to uphold the values, ethics, and professional standards associated with public service in Lagos State.
Obasa’s emergence as substantive chairman followed the resignation of the former council chairman, Tunde Azeez, who stepped down due to prolonged health challenges. His resignation letter was read during a plenary session at the Agege Local Government Council Chamber, after which councillors unanimously confirmed Obasa, who had been serving in an acting capacity.
Prior to his confirmation, Obasa had indicated interest in contesting the chairmanship in the 2025 local government elections. However, his initial ambition faced resistance amid political opposition before the leadership transition created an opening for his confirmation.
