Agbelebu leads coalition movement against Obasa’s political dynasty …as traditional rulers, community stakeholders beg Egunjobi to Step-down In Peace Meeting
The popular Yoruba adage, “Ọmọ iná l’à ń rán sí iná” (meaning: only the offspring of fire can be safely deployed into the heat of the flame), is perhaps the most fitting proverbial...
The popular Yoruba adage, “Ọmọ iná l’à ń rán sí iná” (meaning: only the offspring of fire can be safely deployed into the heat of the flame), is perhaps the most fitting proverbial expression to describe the emerging coalition movement within the Agege All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The core philosophy of this proverb speaks to resilience, inner strength, and matching fire with fire. As political alignments shift and power dynamics recalibrate across Agege, this coalition is positioning itself not merely as a passive participant, but as a battle-tested force equipped with the precise experience, grassroots influence, and political stamina needed to navigate the high-stakes furnace of local APC politics in Agege.
At the center of this coalition movement is Gbenga Abiola (popularly known as Agbelebu), a political product and protégé of Agege political titan and veteran Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. Representing Agege Constituency I.
Agbelebu recently emerged as a formidable force in the affirmation of grassroots politics within Agege by clinching the party’s primary ticket for the State Assembly seat, defying initial expectations in the process.
He emerged and secured the party’s ticket through the influence of the upper leadership, going against the wishes of the sitting speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; despite critics claim Egunjobi secured strong support during the primaries, but party machinery ultimately certified Agbelebu as the candidate.
Agbelebu, whose entry into the political arena began when he emerged unopposed as the Sole Administrator of Agege local government, a move orchestrated with the full backing of his political godfather Mudashiru Obasa.
Rising from relative obscurity to executive office through Obasa’s endorsement, he proved to be a loyal protégé and an indispensable instrument for his principal. Over the years, he served as a fundamental asset to his godfather, acting as Obasa’s key strategist in executing a classic grassroots strategy and navigating complex local coalitions within the Agege community.
Agbelebu has long been a stalwart of the Obasa’s political vanguard and a trusted member of his inner circle, having quietly played a pivotal role in shaping the political fortunes and aspirations of many.
Now, as the party’s flag-bearer for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Agbelebu; long considered a favorite of his principal; has made a calculated pivot. He has reportedly pitched his tent with figures who have opposed Obasa over his 24-year legislative tenure, as well as stakeholders who previously distanced themselves from mainstream APC grassroots politics in Agege.
This growing alliance boasts heavyweights including former Lagos House of Assembly member, House of Representatives member, and other key state-level stakeholders. For years, these figures had found themselves at loggerheads with the entrenched Agege leadership under Obasa.
Meanwhile, local party structures have faced severe turbulence, with factions notably gravitating toward the Allied Peoples Movement (APM)—a development influenced by political actors such as Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi and Barr. Azeez Yusuf. Observers noted that these realignments have left parts of the traditional local party landscape on increasingly shaky ground, adding layers of complexity to the constituency’s electoral outlook.
It is increasingly clear that the battle for political supremacy in Agege has begun. By setting up his own political camp, Agbelebu appears poised to lock horns with his political benefactor. True to the adage that in politics there are no permanent friends; only permanent interests, the local dynamics are shifting at a breakneck pace.
In a significant diplomatic meeting held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, major stakeholders and community leaders comprising traditional rulers, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), prominent Muslim clerics, and members of the Arewa community; converged for a high-level peace talk.
Convened proactively to address rising tensions and ease growing political anxieties across the Agege region ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections, the meeting emphasized unity, religious harmony, and peaceful coexistence.
Prominent figures who championed the urgent appeal for peace include the Alaige of Orile-Agege, Oba Ambaliu Agbeleyi; the Olu of Agege, Oba Oyedeji Kamila Ishiba; the Baale of Dopemu, High Chief Shuaib Ajayi; and the immediate past Chairman of Orile-Agege, J.S. Babatunde.
Religious leadership was robustly represented by the Chairman of CAN in Orile-Agege, Apostle J.B. Olubode; the Chief Imam of Dopemu, Alhaji Sulaiman; and Pastor Bayo Jesuniyi, alongside other influential community elders who collectively urged residents to reject political violence and prioritize community stability in a move to appeal to Egunjobi to shield his sword for Agbelebu and his campaign arsenal to harmonize peace in Agege community.
By using clever tricks and party’s power, Agbelebu beat his main rivals. He even made friends with people who used to fight against his old boss, Obasa, as he gets ready for the election. But his sudden rise has made people inside the local party very upset and divided. This means there is going to be a big fight between different sides as everyone gets ready for the year 2027.
