Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has warned against attempts to stir division among residents of Tongegi Island and other parts of the state over ongoing oil exploration activities in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, insisting that the exercise is being handled solely by the Federal Government.
The governor spoke on Tuesday while commissioning the Abeokuta–Obalende and Osinubi New Roads in Ijebu-Ode, where he clarified that the oil exploration was initiated and is being executed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), not the Ogun State Government.
Abiodun explained that although hydrocarbon deposits have been identified in parts of Ogun Waterside, including Tongegi Island, commercial viability has yet to be established. He dismissed claims of fund diversion linked to the exploration, describing such allegations as false, misleading and politically motivated.
According to the governor, reports of crude-like substances seeping from the ground prompted technical investigations by the NNPCL, which led to preliminary findings suggesting the presence of hydrocarbons.
“After preliminary tests, they informed me that oil had been discovered in Ogun State. However, drilling is required to determine whether it exists in commercial quantities, and that process was approved by Mr President,” Abiodun said.
He added that security around the exploration site has been significantly reinforced, noting that a Naval Base has already been established near the oil well to safeguard national assets.
The governor expressed concern over what he described as the distortion of his remarks in some media reports, which he said sparked unnecessary controversy.
“At no time did I say that commercial drilling had commenced at Tongegi Island. What we have are promising indications, not confirmation of commercial quantity,” he stressed.
Abiodun further disclosed that a Naval post has also been set up on Tongegi Island, while approval has been granted by the Chief of Naval Staff for a Forward Operating Base to strengthen Nigeria’s territorial security in the area.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor said the revival of the Olokola Deep Sea Port project would significantly enhance Ogun State’s economic prospects, adding that the President has directed that tangible progress be recorded on the project within the next year.
On infrastructure, Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained road development across the state, stressing that performance—not rhetoric—remains the government’s answer to critics.
He disclosed that more than 20 township roads have been reconstructed in Ijebu-Ode, including Awujale Road, Ijebu-Ode–Epe–Mojoda Road, Molipa–Fusigboye Road, Stadium–Luba–Gateway Annex Road, Imoru Road, Tam-Balogun Road, and Osinubi Road, with additional projects ongoing.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the newly commissioned roads were designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and stimulate local economic activity.
The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, said the improved road network has boosted commerce and strengthened public confidence in government.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu Federal Constituency, Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo, commended the governor’s consistent investment in infrastructure across Ijebu land.
Market leaders, represented by the Otun Akile Iyaloja of Ijebu-Ode, Mrs Kikelomo Olufunmi, said the roads would ease the movement of goods and enhance trading activities.
Traditional rulers and community leaders at the event praised the governor for delivering what they described as timely and impactful projects that would accelerate development in the area.
In this article