The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has warned against attempts to create division among residents of Tongegi Island and across the state over ongoing oil exploration activities in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
The governor, according to a statement made available to journalists on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, issued the warning while commissioning the Abeokuta–Obalende and Osinubi New Roads in Ijebu-Ode.
Abiodun clarified that the oil drilling exercise is being carried out by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and not by the Ogun State Government.
He explained that although hydrocarbon deposits have been identified in parts of Ogun Waterside, including Tongegi Island, their commercial viability has yet to be established.
He added that security around the drilling area has been significantly strengthened, noting that a Naval Base has already been established near the oil well to safeguard national assets.
The governor expressed concern over what he described as misrepresentation of his comments in some sections of the media, which he said sparked unnecessary controversy.
“At no time did I say that commercial drilling had commenced at Tongegi Island. What we have are promising indications, not confirmation of commercial quantity,” he stressed.
