Boundary dispute: Ogun LG kicks against Lagos signposts

The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Idris Kusimo, has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to call the chairman of Ojodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Segun Odumbaku, to order over the erection of a signpost bearing the inscription, “Welcome to Lagos State,” at a disputed location along the Yakoyo–Ojodu Road.

Kusimo, according to a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, said the placement of the signpost had raised concerns about the boundary between Ogun and Lagos states, particularly around Yakoyo in Isheri-Ojodu Ward, which is said to fall within Ogun State’s territorial jurisdiction.

He expressed concern that the signpost, which indicates the beginning of Lagos State, could create confusion among residents and road users over the actual boundary between the two neighbouring states.

The development comes amid concerns over the territorial limits of the two states in the affected area, following the construction of a road by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

The local government maintained that the disputed location falls within its jurisdiction and called on the Lagos State Government to intervene by directing the Ojodu LG boss to desist from actions that could aggravate the boundary disagreement.

According to the council chairman, the issue of territorial jurisdiction around the Yakoyo–Ojodu axis has generated concerns over the years, with what the council described as repeated attempts by Lagos State to assert control over areas claimed by Ogun State.

Kusimo warned that such developments could create unnecessary tension and uncertainty for residents, stressing the need for both state governments and their respective local government authorities to handle the matter with caution and responsibility.

He called for an objective determination of the boundary through official records, approved survey coordinates and other relevant government documents to establish the precise territorial limits of both states.

He noted that a resolution based on authoritative records would help prevent further misunderstandings, protect the interests of residents and promote peaceful relations between Ogun and Lagos states.

Kusimo further urged the Lagos State Government to ensure that the actions of local government officials did not undermine efforts to maintain cordial relations between the two states, particularly in communities located around their shared boundary.

He said, “The dispute follows the placement of signposts bearing the inscription, ‘Welcome to Lagos State,’ along a newly constructed road reportedly built by the Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun.

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“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.”

He noted that the boundary issue had persisted and was not a foregone conclusion, warning Lagos State against what the council considered encroachment on Ogun State’s territory.

He said, “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.

“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.

“The Lagos State Government should hereby desist from further actions of encroachment on this said territory.”

However, in his reaction to the allegations raised by Kusimo, the Special Adviser on Media to the Ojodu LCDA chairman, Akinkunmi Bello, said in a WhatsApp message that the erection of the signposts was done by the Lagos State government and not by the council chairman.

“The Ifo Local Government chairman should have carried out thorough research and findings before coming to this conclusion. It’s not Segun Odunmbaku who erected the signpost; the state government would be in a better place to answer his concerns,” he said.

Media reports on Monday said that the Lagos State Government has begun installing boundary demarcation signposts across the state to clarify borders between neighbouring communities and states.

The government said the project would address uncertainties surrounding boundary lines and help prevent disputes arising from alleged encroachment between communities and neighbouring states.

The boundary signposts were said to have been reportedly installed in Eredo-Epe, around Mojoda, Itokin-Ijebu Ode Road, Ikorodu-Shagamu Road, Ojodu-Alagbole Road, Owode-Apa Road and the Seme Border.