There is disquiet over disclosure that President Bola Tinubu has approved commencement of commercial oil drilling operations in Ogun State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made the disclosure last Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, during a courtesy visit in Abeokuta.
However, there are conflicting statements from the government on the locations of the drilling operations between Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government and Eba in Ogun Waterside LGA.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
The first statement quoted Abiodun as saying: "Let me share with you that Mr. President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there."
The governor also revealed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, marking a major breakthrough after years of anticipation surrounding the multibillion-dollar port development.
According to Governor Abiodun, both projects are of special interest to the President.
He noted that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest the Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling would promote inclusion and economic empowerment for residents of the coastal communities.
A second statement from the government countered the first on the location, saying the oil drilling location approved by the President is Eba in Ogun Waterside LGA.
The government admitted the error and blamed it on a press officer who wrote the report that was sent out.
But indigenes of Ipokia Local Government have petitioned Governor Abiodun, alleging a plan to shift the approved site for oil exploration from Tongeji Island to another location.
In the 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 urged the governor to clarify the exact location approved for oil exploration in the state.
The petitioners alleged that some individuals were already using the media to reinterpret the governor's earlier statement that President Bola Tinubu had approved oil exploration at Tongeji Island.
The Ipokia indigenes wrote to the governor, insisting that oil deposits in Tongeji Island had long been confirmed in commercial quantities and describing the resource as critical to the economic future of the area and the state.
Oil deposits in Tongeji Island have long been confirmed to exist in commercial quantities. This resource represents an enormous opportunity for economic development in our region and for Ogun State as a whole," they said
They said successive administrations had consistently identified Tongeji Island as the focus of oil exploration efforts in Ogun State.
The indigenes claimed the oil discovery had attracted foreign interest, alleging that the Republic of Benin had in the past made attempts to take over the island due to the presence of oil.
"For many years, various administrations in Ogun State, from the military era through successive civilian governments, have recognised and advocated for the exploration of oil in Tongeji Island as a pathway to making Ogun State an oil-producing state," the petition read.
"The discovery of oil in Tongeji Island has made the island particularly attractive to the Government of the Republic of Benin, which has reportedly made overtures to the inhabitants. This situation is a cause for concern, especially given the potential threat to our sovereignty should these overtures gain traction.
"The consistent presence of the Nigerian Navy on the island has been pivotal in maintaining security and supporting our local community against such external influences."
The indigenes said they were initially encouraged by what they described as the governor's announcement that Tinubu had approved oil exploration in Tongeji Island but were later confused by reports suggesting a shift to Eba in Ogun Waterside.
"Recently, your administration announced that Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government was designated as the approved community for oil exploration. This announcement generated significant excitement and hope among the residents.
"We have been alarmed by reports suggesting that the approved site for oil exploration may have shifted to Eba in Ogun Waterside, while also mentioning a deep seaport in Ogun East Senatorial District. This abrupt change in narrative has left the people of Ipokia Local Government confused and concerned," they said.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The indigenes urged the governor to reaffirm the approval for oil exploration in Tongeji Island.
"Given these circumstances, we urge your administration to reaffirm and maintain the approval for oil exploration in Tongeji Island, as was originally conveyed. Any deviation from this commitment would be a significant setback to our aspirations," they said.
Daily Trust reports that oil was identified on Tongeji Island in Ogun State around 2004 during the administration of former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The administration initiated steps for exploration to establish Ogun as an oil-producing state, including creating the Gateway Oil and Gas Development Limited to oversee the project.
The Daniel administration (2003-2011) made efforts to secure the area for exploration and, with support from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, initiated plans to develop the island's resources.
