Ogun–Lagos Boundary Row: Ifo Chairman Accuses Ojodu Council of Territorial Overreach, Seeks Sanwo-Olu’s Intervention
The Chairman of Ifo Local Government in Ogun State, Kusimo Idris Olalekan, has called on the Lagos State Government to rein in the Chairman of Ojodu Local Government over the erection of a signpost bearing the inscription, “Welcome to Lagos State,” at a disputed location along the Yakoyo–Ojodu Road.
Olalekan said the signpost had heightened concerns over the territorial boundary between Ogun and Lagos states, insisting that the location around Yakoyo, in Isheri-Ojodu Ward, falls within the jurisdiction of Ifo Local Government.
The council argued that placing a signpost indicating the beginning of Lagos State at the disputed location could mislead residents and motorists while escalating an already sensitive boundary disagreement between the neighbouring states.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of road construction by the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun, which has further drawn attention to competing claims over the territorial limits of the two states in the affected corridor.
Ifo Local Government maintained that the disputed area belongs to Ogun State and urged the Lagos State Government to intervene by directing the Ojodu council chairman to refrain from actions capable of worsening the disagreement.
According to the council, questions surrounding territorial jurisdiction along the Yakoyo–Ojodu axis have persisted for years, with Ifo expressing concern over what it described as repeated attempts by Lagos State to assert authority over areas claimed by Ogun State.
The council warned that unilateral actions by officials could create confusion, heighten tensions and leave residents uncertain about the government authority responsible for their communities.
It stressed that the dispute should not be resolved through competing signposts or unilateral declarations but through a transparent and evidence-based process involving official boundary records, approved survey coordinates and other relevant government documents.
Olalekan called on the governments of both states and their respective local government authorities to pursue an authoritative determination of the disputed boundary, arguing that documentary evidence would provide a more sustainable solution than actions capable of provoking further disagreement.
He also appealed to the Lagos State Government to ensure that the activities of local government officials did not undermine the cordial relationship between the two states, particularly in communities situated along their shared boundary.
Reaffirming Ifo Local Government’s commitment to protecting the interests of its residents, Olalekan said the council would continue to defend its territorial claims through appropriate official channels.
The council urged all parties to exercise restraint pending an authoritative clarification of the boundary, stressing that a peaceful, legally grounded resolution remains essential to protecting residents’ interests and preventing an avoidable escalation of the dispute.
However, the precise boundary at the disputed location remains a matter requiring verification through authoritative government records and an official determination by the relevant authorities.
