Ipokia oil exploration dispute deepens as indigenes petition Governor Abiodun over claims the approved site was shifted from Tongeji Island

Indigenes of Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State have petitioned Governor Dapo Abiodun over concerns surrounding Ipokia oil exploration, following reports suggesting a shift in the approved drilling site from Tongeji Island to another community.

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In a petition dated January 23, 2026, and signed by the Baamofin of Ipokia Kingdom, Barrister Lawal Orisadare, on behalf of Concerned Ipokia Local Government Indigenes, the community called on the governor to clearly state the exact location approved for oil exploration in the state.

The petitioners alleged that some individuals had begun using the media to reinterpret the governor’s earlier statement that President Bola Tinubu approved oil exploration at Tongeji Island, a development they described as troubling.

They referenced a statement issued by the Ogun State Government on Thursday in which Abiodun, while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, in Abeokuta, was quoted as saying that the President had approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island.

According to the statement, the governor also spoke on the revival of the Olokola Port project, noting that the proposed port was now back on the table following renewed interest from the Presidency.

However, conflicting online reports later emerged, suggesting that the oil exploration approval was meant for Eba community in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, rather than Tongeji Island.

Reacting, the Ipokia indigenes said oil deposits at Tongeji Island had long been confirmed in commercial quantities, describing the resource as vital to the economic future of Ipokia and Ogun State at large.

They insisted that successive administrations had consistently identified the island as the focal point of Ipokia oil exploration efforts.

The petition also raised security concerns, claiming that the oil discovery had attracted foreign interest, particularly from the Republic of Benin, which they alleged had previously attempted to take over the island.

“For many years, various administrations have recognised oil exploration in Tongeji Island as a pathway to making Ogun State an oil-producing state,” the petition read, adding that the presence of the Nigerian Navy had been crucial in safeguarding the area.

The indigenes said they were initially encouraged by the governor’s announcement linking the approval to Tongeji Island but were later unsettled by reports suggesting a shift to Eba community.

“This abrupt change in narrative has left the people of Ipokia Local Government confused and concerned,” they said, urging the government to reaffirm its original commitment.

Beyond the oil dispute, the petitioners accused the Ogun State Government of neglecting development in Ipokia Local Government, citing the abandoned Ogun State Polytechnic established during the administration of former governor Ibikunle Amosun.

They said despite inspections carried out during Abiodun’s first term by senior government officials, including commissioners, the institution remained dilapidated and overgrown.

In response, the Ogun State Government admitted that its earlier statement wrongly indicated that oil drilling would commence on Tongeji Island.

The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the governor, Kayode Akinmade, told The PUNCH that the statement was the result of misinformation by the press officer who drafted it.

“It was not Tongeji. The press officer who wrote the statement was misinformed,” Akinmade said, explaining that the governor had actually referred to Eba community in Ogun Waterside as the approved site.

He noted that while Tongeji Island also has oil in commercial quantities, significant infrastructure would be required before exploration could begin there, given its offshore location and proximity to the Republic of Benin.

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Akinmade appealed to the people of Ipokia to remain calm, stressing that the government remained mindful of the strategic importance of the area as discussions on Ipokia oil exploration and broader development continue.