Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has warned against attempts to sow division among residents of Tongeji Island and other parts of the state over ongoing oil exploration activities in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

The governor gave the warning while commissioning the Abeokuta–Obalende and Osinubi New Roads in Ijebu-Ode, according to a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade.

Abiodun clarified that the oil exploration exercise is being carried out by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and not by the Ogun State Government.

He explained that although hydrocarbon deposits have been identified in parts of Ogun Waterside, including Tongeji Island, their commercial viability has not yet been established.

The governor dismissed claims that funds earmarked for oil exploration had been diverted, describing the allegations as misleading and politically motivated.

According to him, reports of crude-like substances seeping from the ground had prompted technical investigations by the NNPCL.

“After conducting preliminary tests, they informed me that oil had been discovered in Ogun State. However, drilling is required to confirm whether it exists in commercial quantity, and that process was approved by Mr President,” Abiodun said.

He added that security around the drilling area had been significantly strengthened, noting that a naval base had already been established near the oil well to safeguard national assets.

Abiodun expressed concern over what he described as misrepresentation of his comments in some sections of the media, which he said had 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.

The governor further disclosed that a naval post had also been established on Tongegi Island, while approval had been granted by the Chief of Naval Staff for the establishment of a Forward Operating Base to reinforce Nigeria’s territorial presence in the area.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abiodun said the revival of the Olokola Deep Sea Port project would significantly boost Ogun State’s economic prospects, adding that the President had directed that visible progress be made on the project within the next year.

On infrastructure development, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving road networks across the state, noting that performance, not rhetoric, remained his government’s response to criticism.

He disclosed that more than 20 township roads had been reconstructed in Ijebu-Ode, including Awujale Road, Ijebu-Ode–Epe–Mojoda Road, Molipa–Fusigboye Road, Stadium–Luba–Gateway Annex Road, Imoru Road, Tam-Balogun Road and Osinubi Road, among others, with additional projects currently ongoing.