Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday formally inaugurated Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa as the substantive Chairman of Agege Local Government, charging him to focus on inclusive, people-centred governance and align council programmes with the broader development goals of the state.
The ceremony, held at Lagos House, Ikeja, also featured the swearing-in of Toyin Adejimiwa as a Permanent Secretary. Obasa, who is the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, had been serving as acting chairman prior to his confirmation and official inauguration.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that local governments remain the closest arm of government to the people and therefore demand leadership that is visible, responsive and compassionate. He urged the newly sworn-in chairman to shun divisive politics and concentrate on delivering tangible benefits to residents of Agege.
According to the governor, discipline, performance and accountability are key standards for leadership in Lagos State. He called on Obasa to strengthen community development, foster social harmony and ensure that governance at the grassroots is fair, transparent and equitable.
“You must work closely with established institutions and traditional leaders. Your responsibility now is to unite your people and close the gap between government policies and the everyday realities of the community,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor also acknowledged the presence of retired permanent secretaries at the ceremony, describing them as outstanding public servants whose dedication and integrity continue to shape the values of the Lagos State civil service.
Congratulating both Adejimiwa and Obasa, Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that they would justify the trust placed in them and contribute positively to the state’s progress. He noted that governance is most effective when competent individuals are entrusted with leadership roles and public office is approached as a call to service.
He added that the joint inauguration of a permanent secretary and an elected council chairman symbolised Lagos State’s commitment to policy stability at the top and effective grassroots governance at the local level.
In their separate remarks, Adejimiwa and Obasa thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged to uphold the principles, professionalism and standards associated with public service in Lagos State.
Obasa’s emergence as substantive chairman followed the resignation of former council boss, Tunde Azeez, who stepped down in November due to ongoing health issues. His resignation letter was presented at a plenary session of the Agege Council Chamber, after which councillors unanimously confirmed Obasa, who had been acting in the position.
Prior to his confirmation, Obasa had expressed interest in contesting the chairmanship ahead of the 2025 local government elections but was initially excluded amid resistance to his candidacy.
