Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday commissioned the Abeokuta–Obalende and Osinubi New Roads in Ijebu-Ode, reaffirming his administration’s focus on infrastructure delivery while addressing public concerns over oil exploration activities in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Speaking at the commissioning, Abiodun cautioned against narratives he said were aimed at creating division among residents of Tongegi Island and across the state.
He clarified that the oil exploration process in the area is being undertaken by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and not by the Ogun State Government.
“What we have are promising indications that still require drilling, already approved by Mr. President, to determine quantity and feasibility. At no time did I say commercial drilling had commenced,” Abiodun said.
The governor explained that reports of crude-like seepages in parts of Ogun Waterside, particularly around Tongegi Island, prompted technical investigations by the NNPCL. Preliminary tests, he noted, indicated the presence of hydrocarbons, but commercial viability has not yet been established.
Dismissing claims that state funds had been diverted to the exercise, he described such allegations as misleading and politically motivated.
“Oil exploration in Ogun Waterside is a Federal Government initiative. No funds belonging to Ogun State have been used for this process,” he added.
Addressing what he described as misinterpretation of his earlier comments, Abiodun emphasized the need for accurate public understanding of the exploration status. He added that security around the area has been strengthened to protect national assets.
“A Naval presence has been established near the site, and approval has been granted for a Forward Operating Base at Tongegi Island to reinforce security and our territorial presence,” the governor stated.
Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing renewed momentum on the Olokola Deep Sea Port project.
“The Olokola Deep Sea Port will be a major economic driver for Ogun State. Mr. President has directed that visible progress must be made within the next year,” he said.
On infrastructure, the governor reiterated that performance remains his administration’s response to criticism.
“Performance, not rhetoric, remains our response. We will continue to open up our communities with roads that improve lives and stimulate commerce,” Abiodun said.
He disclosed that more than 20 township roads have been reconstructed across 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, among others, with additional projects ongoing.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the road projects were designed with economic impact in mind.
“These roads are not just for movement; they are strategic for connectivity, reduced travel time, and increased economic activities within the township,” Akinsanya said.
Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, noted the growing public confidence driven by the improved road network.
“The reconstruction of these roads has significantly boosted commerce and restored confidence in governance at the grassroots,” Alebiosu stated.
Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo, representing Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu Federal Constituency, praised the administration’s sustained infrastructure investment.
“What we are seeing across Ijebu land is consistent infrastructure development that directly impacts the people,” Ogunbanwo said.
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.
“These roads will make it easier for traders to move goods and for customers to access our markets,” Olufunmi noted.
Traditional rulers and community leaders at the event also commended the governor for delivering on his promises, describing the projects as timely and impactful for the area’s development.
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