Ogun LG challenges Lagos boundary signpost on disputed Yakoyo

The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Idris Kusimo, has challenged the placement of a “Welcome to Lagos State” signpost along the disputed Yakoyo–Ojodu Road, asking the Lagos State Government to intervene in the boundary disagreement.

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Mr Kusimo said the signpost could mislead residents and motorists about the territorial boundary between the two states, insisting that the affected location around Yakoyo in Isheri-Ojodu Ward falls within Ogun State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council chairman urged Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address the matter and ensure that actions by officials of the state did not aggravate the disagreement.

“Ifo Local Government maintains that the location of the signposts raises concerns about the boundary between the two states and has challenged the claim implied by their placement,” the statement read.

Contacted by PREMIUM TIMES for comments on Wednesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, acknowledged the installation of boundary signposts at various locations across the state but said he was unaware of the dispute over the site of the signpost along Yakoyo–Ojodu Road.

“I’m not aware of that. You should contact the ministry in charge,” he said.

But the Lagos State Government justified the signposts installation along the state’s boundaries in an X post on Tuesday. It said the installation followed the specifications of the state’s surveyor general.

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“The initiative is aimed at providing clarity on ambiguities around boundary demarcations between communities and neighbouring States, and to prevent disputes that may arise from boundary encroachment,” the statement stated.

It also quoted the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, as saying during the commencement of the exercise that the state government was committed to ensuring clear boundaries between communities and neighbouring states.

Mrs Bolarinwa, whose Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, is championing the signpost installation exercise, said the initiative would ensure the boundaries were “properly indicated in line with the position of the Office of the Surveyor General.”

However, Mr Kusimo said the signpost’s placement had heightened concerns about the boundary around Yakoyo, particularly following the construction of a road in the area by the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun.

“The dispute follows the placement of signposts bearing the inscription, ‘Welcome to Lagos State,’ along a newly constructed road built by the Ogun State Governor,” he said.

The chairman maintained that the disputed location falls within his local government’s jurisdiction and accused Lagos State of repeatedly attempting to assert control over areas it considers part of Ogun State.

“Over the years, the Lagos State Government has made several attempts to encroach on the Ogun State part of the area, which has always brought about confusion and unrest for residents,” he said.

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The council called for the boundary to be determined through official records, approved survey coordinates and other relevant government documents, arguing that an authoritative determination would help prevent further misunderstandings and protect residents’ interests.

“The matter underscores the importance of establishing the precise boundary through official records, approved survey coordinates and relevant government documentation to prevent misunderstandings and ensure respect for the territorial jurisdictions of both states,” Mr Kusimo said.

He urged both state governments to handle the matter cautiously to prevent tension in communities along their shared boundary.