Obasa: A Governorship Aspirant With An Ungoverned Attitude
3 min read
Historically, some areas in Lagos State were perceived as extensions of Ogun State due to their proximity to locations properly within Ogun State, more so than areas originally dominated and identified as Lagos. This perception is evident in the way these areas are often disadvantaged in any sharing formula.
During those years, areas like Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, and the whole of Alimosho were considered part of Ogun State because they were predominantly occupied by Ogun State indigenes. However, the residents eventually rose to the occasion and fought to redefine their identity.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of this effort is Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, a true Egba man from Onikolobo in Abeokuta. He became the first person from this area to occupy the seat of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Remarkably, he has held this position for three terms after securing his sixth term as a member representing Agege 1 in the Assembly. Truly, Obasa is the greatest beneficiary of the area’s struggles.
Considering what the people of these areas have endured, no amount of support seemed too much for Obasa. They gave him unwavering backing, but unfortunately, rather than using this support to open doors for others, he misconstrued it as a testament to his wisdom. He began nursing ambitions of becoming the Governor of Lagos State, clashing with anyone perceived as an obstacle. He left no room for dissent: it was either people allowed him to control them, or he sought to destroy everything in his path.
Obasa’s unbridled ambition and behavior soon extended beyond his immediate constituency as he sensed that a rival was gaining the attention of APC leaders and other significant stakeholders in Lagos. His ungoverned attitude, words, and actions spared no one—not the Governor, not the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), and not even the President.
A few months ago, in defiance of the GAC’s position, Obasa convened a public hearing on the dissolution of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs)—a project championed by President Bola Tinubu, who, apart from being the President, is a foremost party leader in Lagos and nationwide. Obasa’s focus appeared to be gaining control of the local councils through the backdoor, disregarding the President’s vision.
As if this were not enough, Obasa has repeatedly undermined Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The most recent incident occurred during the Governor’s budget presentation, where Obasa, in the Governor’s presence, praised himself and compared his achievements with those of the Governor. He even compared himself to the Governor’s predecessors, including President Tinubu, concluding that he was superior to all of them combined.
Obasa’s actions and rhetoric have placed Agege, Alimosho, and Ifako-Ijaiye in political jeopardy. His ambition threatens to undo everything the area has fought for. While the people of these areas have distanced themselves from Obasa and his antics, it is imperative that party leaders and stakeholders in Lagos do not allow his behavior to disadvantage these areas once again. Obasa is on his own.
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