How does Chapter 1 describe the connection between Sai Baba and Lord Ganesha?

Chapter 1 of the Sai Satcharitra establishes a profound and direct connection between Sai Baba and Lord Ganesha. While offering salutations to Ganesha as the 'destroyer of the forest of obstacles' who holds an axe to clear the path for devotees, the text makes a significant declaration. As it is written in Chapter 1, "This Sai himself is Ganesha Ganapati; this Sai, taking the axe in hand and destroying obstacles, shall bring forth his own knowledge." This equates Sai Baba with the very essence and function of Ganesha, presenting him as the supreme being who embodies the power to remove all impediments for his followers.