Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday swore in Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa as the substantive Chairman of Agege Local Government, charging him to focus on grassroots development, inclusive governance and service delivery that reflects the needs of the people.
The swearing in ceremony held at Lagos House, Ikeja, marked the formal confirmation of Obasa, who had been acting as council chairman following the resignation of the former chairman, Tunde Azeez, over prolonged health challenges.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu described local government as the closest tier of government to the people, stressing that leadership at that level must be visible, responsive and compassionate.
According to the governor, “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 and bridge the gap between policy and local realities.”
He urged the new chairman to govern inclusively, avoid divisive tendencies and deliver measurable outcomes to residents of Agege, noting that discipline and performance remained the standards for leadership and advancement in Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu also said governance is strengthened when capable individuals are entrusted with responsibility, adding that public office must always be seen as a platform for service.
“This is a moment to reinforce trust and responsibility. Governance works best when those given authority use it to serve the people,” he said.
Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa is the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. He was unanimously confirmed by councillors at the Agege Council Chamber in November after the former chairman’s resignation letter was read during plenary.
The governor congratulated Obasa on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, expressing confidence that he would justify the trust reposed in him and contribute meaningfully to the development agenda of the state.
In his response, Obasa thanked the governor for the confidence placed in him and pledged to uphold the values of transparency, accountability and people centred governance in the administration of Agege Local Government.
The ceremony also featured the swearing in of Toyin Adejimiwa as a Permanent Secretary, which Sanwo-Olu described as a demonstration of the state’s commitment to policy continuity and effective grassroots governance.
