The Ogun State Government has acknowledged an error in its initial announcement regarding the approved site for commercial oil exploration, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent approval.
The misstatement, which incorrectly identified Tongeji Island as the commencement site, was due to misinformation provided to the press officer responsible for drafting the release.
The government has since clarified that the approved location is Eba in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, a site where oil was discovered many years ago and which was previously considered for major projects like the Dangote Refinery before its relocation to Lekki, Lagos State.
Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, Kayode Akinmade, addressed the issue, stating, “It was not Tongeji. I’m the one that sent the statement out. What happened was that the press officer who wrote the statement was misinformed. When the story went out, I contacted editors who withdrew it, but unfortunately, it had already spread widely on social media.”
He further explained, “What the Governor said was that the President has approved exploration in Eba, in Ogun Waterside. The area is just a few kilometres from the Olokola deep seaport, which has also been approved for action.”
This clarification comes in response to a petition dated January 23, 2026, from indigenes of Ipokia Local Government Area, signed by Baamofin of Ipokia Kingdom, Barrister Lawal Orisadare, on behalf of Concerned Ipokia Local Government Indigenes.
The community expressed alarm over reports suggesting a shift away from Tongeji Island, highlighting the site's confirmed commercial oil deposits and its potential to drive economic development in the area.
They also raised concerns about security, noting foreign interests from the Republic of Benin and the role of the Nigerian Navy in maintaining stability, as well as perceived neglect of infrastructure in Ipokia, such as the abandoned Ogun State Polytechnic.
Akinmade emphasized that while Tongeji Island does possess oil in commercial quantities, significant infrastructure is required before exploration can begin there, given its offshore location accessible only via the Atlantic Ocean and its border with the Republic of Benin.
He appealed to the people of Ipokia to remain calm, assuring them that the government remains committed to equitable development across the state.
Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun reiterated the administration's gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the oil drilling operations and reviving the Olokola Port project, which has been on the drawing board for years.
“Our proposed Olokola Port is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr. President because this is solely his initiative,” the Governor stated during a recent courtesy visit by Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha.
The Ogun State Government is dedicated to transparent communication and fostering economic growth that benefits all residents.