Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has swore in Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as the Chairman of Agege Local Government Area.
Sanwo-Olu urged Obasa to prioritise grassroots development and align his administration with the state’s development agenda.
The swearing-in ceremony, which also featured the inauguration of Toyin Adejimiwa as a Permanent Secretary, was held at Lagos House, Ikeja.
Abdul-Ganiyu had been acting as council chairman before his confirmation and formal inauguration.
Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, Sanwo-Olu described local government as the tier of government closest to the people, stressing that it required visible, responsive and compassionate leadership.
He urged the Agege council chairman to govern inclusively, avoid divisive tendencies and focus on delivering measurable outcomes to residents, noting that discipline and performance remained the benchmarks for leadership and advancement in Lagos State.
“Your task is to deepen community development, promote social cohesion and ensure that governance is delivered fairly, transparently and equitably.
“You must work with your institutions and traditional leaders. You now have the mandate to reconcile your people and bridge the divide between policy and local realities,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the presence of retired permanent secretaries at the event, describing them as exemplary public servants whose legacies continued to inspire the state’s civil service.
Sanwo-Olu congratulated Adejimiwa and Obasa on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, expressing confidence that they would justify the trust reposed in them and contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.
According to Sanwo-Olu, governance will be strengthened when capable individuals are entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“This is a moment for us to reinforce trust and responsibility.
“Governance is strengthened when we put capable people in trusted positions and when public office is seen as a platform for service,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu described the simultaneous inauguration of a permanent secretary and an elected local government chairman as a reflection of the state’s commitment to both policy continuity and grassroots governance.
In their responses, Adejimiwa and Obasa thanked the governor for the confidence placed in them and pledged to uphold the core values and standards associated with public service in Lagos State.
Abdul-Ganiyu was confirmed as the substantive chairman of the local government in November, which followed the resignation of the former council chairman, Tunde Azeez, who stepped down due to persistent health challenges.
Azeez’s resignation letter was read during plenary at the Agege Council Chamber, after which councillors unanimously confirmed Obasa, who had been acting in the role.
Obasa had earlier indicated interest in contesting the chairmanship ahead of the 2025 local government elections but was initially dropped amid opposition to his candidacy.
