Ogun Oil Exploration: Governor Dapo Abiodun warns against division, clarifies NNPCL-led drilling and dismisses diversion claims

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has warned against attempts to sow division among residents of Tongegi Island and other communities over ongoing oil exploration activities in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, insisting that misinformation surrounding the process is misleading and politically motivated.

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Prince Abiodun issued the warning on Friday while commissioning the Abeokuta–Obalende and Osinubi New Roads in Ijebu-Ode, according to a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade.

The governor clarified that the oil drilling exercise is being conducted by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and not by the Ogun State Government.

He explained that while hydrocarbon deposits have been identified in parts of Ogun Waterside, including Tongegi Island, their commercial viability has not yet been confirmed.

Prince Abiodun dismissed claims that funds allocated for Ogun oil exploration had been diverted, describing the allegations as false and designed to create unnecessary tension within the state.

He said the discovery followed reports of crude-like substances seeping from the ground, which prompted technical investigations by the NNPCL.

“After conducting preliminary tests, they informed me that oil had been discovered in Ogun State. However, drilling is necessary to confirm whether it exists in commercial quantity, and that process was approved by Mr President,” the governor said.

Addressing security concerns, Prince Abiodun disclosed that protection around the drilling site has been significantly reinforced, with a Naval Base already established near the oil well to safeguard national assets.

He added that a Naval post has also been approved for Tongegi Island, with clearance granted by the Chief of Naval Staff for a Forward Operating Base to strengthen Nigeria’s territorial presence in the area.

The governor expressed concern over what he described as deliberate misrepresentation of his remarks in sections of the media, stressing that such reports sparked avoidable 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 stated.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prince Abiodun said the planned revival of the Olokola Deep Sea Port project would deliver a powerful economic boost to Ogun State, revealing that the President has directed that visible progress be achieved within the next year.

On infrastructure, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained development across the state, noting that performance rather than rhetoric remains the government’s response to criticism.

He disclosed that more than 20 township roads have been reconstructed in Ijebu-Ode, with additional projects ongoing.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ade Akinsanya, said the completed roads were designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and stimulate local commerce.

Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Honourable Dare Alebiosu, said the improved road network has strengthened economic activity and public confidence in governance.

Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu Federal Constituency, Barrister Femi Ogunbanwo, praised the governor’s consistent investment in infrastructure across Ijebu land.

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Market leaders and traditional rulers at the event described the projects as timely and impactful, underscoring their importance to the area’s long-term development.