Planned Oil Exploration in Ogun Sparks Controversy

Discontent has emerged following President Bola Tinubu's approval to begin commercial oil drilling activities in Ogun State.

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced this development last Thursday during a courtesy visit by Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, in Abeokuta.

However, contradictory statements regarding the drilling sites have been noted, with conflicting reports mentioning Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government and Eba in Ogun Waterside LGA as possible locations.

The governor's first statement included: “Let me inform you that Mr. President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, which will soon see increased activities there.”

Additionally, Governor Abiodun disclosed that President Tinubu also cleared the way for the swift initiation of the Olokola Deep Seaport project situated in Ogun Waterside LGA, a significant development that has been anticipated after years of delay surrounding this multi-billion dollar project.

Abiodun highlighted that the Olokola Deep Seaport project would significantly alleviate congestion at Lagos ports, while the oil drilling initiative aims to empower local coastal communities economically.

A subsequent official statement contradicted the earlier one, asserting that the approved location for the oil drilling operations is actually Eba in Ogun Waterside LGA.

The government acknowledged a mistake and attributed it to inaccuracies in the initial report drafted by a press officer.

Indigenes of Ipokia Local Government, however, have reached out to Governor Abiodun, expressing their concerns about a potential relocation of the drilling site away from Tongeji Island.

In a petition dated January 23, 2026, and signed by Barrister Lawal Orisadare, the Baamofin of Ipokia Kingdom, the group requested clarity regarding the designated location for oil exploration in Ogun.

The petitioners claimed that some parties were manipulating the media to misinterpret the governor’s initial announcement, which stated that President Tinubu had sanctioned oil exploration at Tongeji Island.

The local residents insisted that oil deposits at Tongeji Island have been confirmed as commercially viable, considering it crucial for the economic development of both their area and Ogun State overall.

In their letter, they stated, “Oil reserves in Tongeji Island have long been validated, offering a significant opportunity for progress in our region and Ogun State at large.”

They further remarked that every administration in the state had consistently recognized Tongeji Island as crucial to its oil exploration aims.

The community expressed concerns that the discovery of oil had drawn foreign interests, claiming that the Republic of Benin had previously made attempts to claim the island due to its oil wealth.

The petition concluded with, “For numerous years, various administrations, from military regimes to successive civilian governments, have endorsed and campaigned for oil exploration in Tongeji Island as a route to establishing Ogun State as an oil-producing state.”

Concerns were also raised regarding the potential risk to sovereignty stemming from foreign interest in the oil deposits, with the Nigerian Navy deemed essential for ensuring security and supporting the local populace against such influences.

Initially, the community felt encouraged by the governor's announcement that oil exploration was approved for Tongeji Island, but they became puzzled upon hearing reports suggesting a shift to Eba in Ogun Waterside.

“We were excited by your administration's announcement that Tongeji Island in Ipokia was slated for oil exploration, sparking optimism among residents. However, recent reports indicate a possible switch to Eba in Ogun Waterside, which has bewildered the Ipokia community,” they stated.

The indigenous petitioners called upon the governor to reaffirm the commitment to oil exploration on Tongeji Island, underscoring, “In light of these developments, we implore you to reaffirm the approval for oil exploration at Tongeji Island as initially communicated. Any deviation from this would fundamentally impact our aspirations.”

Reports indicate that oil was first discovered on Tongeji Island around 2004 during the tenure of former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who initiated steps for exploration aimed at establishing Ogun State as an oil-producing region by creating Gateway Oil and Gas Development Limited to oversee the project.

The administration during Daniel's period (2003–2011) endeavored to secure the zone for exploration, with support from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, initiating plans to harness the island’s resources.