Ogun LG faults Lagos boundary signpost on disputed road

The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Idris Kusimo, has urged the Lagos State Government to address concerns over a signpost bearing the inscription “Welcome to Lagos State” erected along the disputed Yakoyo–Ojodu Road.

Kusimo made the call in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, arguing that the signpost could create confusion over the boundary between the two states, particularly around Yakoyo in Isheri-Ojodu Ward, which he said falls within Ogun State.

The council maintained that the disputed location falls within its jurisdiction and urged Lagos to ensure that actions by its officials did not worsen the disagreement.

The development follows the construction of a road by the administration of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, according to the statement.

Ifo Local Government said the boundary issue had generated concerns over the years, accusing Lagos State of repeatedly attempting to assert control over areas it claimed belonged to Ogun.

“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 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,” the statement said.

It called for an objective determination of the boundary using official records, approved survey coordinates and other relevant government documents, saying this would help prevent further misunderstandings and protect residents’ interests.

The council also urged both state governments to handle the matter cautiously to maintain peaceful relations between communities along their shared boundary.

However, the Special Adviser on Media to the Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Akinkunmi Bello, denied that the council chairman, Segun Odunmbaku, erected the signposts.

In a WhatsApp message on Saturday, Bello told PUNCH Online that the signposts were installed by the Lagos State Government and that the state government was better placed to respond to Kusimo’s concerns.

Bello said, “The Ifo Local Government Chairman should have done thorough research and findings before coming to his conclusion. It’s not Hon Segun Odunmbaku that erected the signpost; the state government would be in a better place to answer his concerns.”

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

The project was reportedly intended to address uncertainty over boundary lines and prevent disputes arising from alleged encroachment.

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