Ifo LG Faults Lagos Over Boundary Signpost On Disputed Yakoyo–Ojodu Road
The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Idris Kusimo, has called on the Lagos State Government to address concerns surrounding the installation of a signpost bearing the inscription “Welcome to Lagos State” along the disputed Yakoyo–Ojodu Road.
Kusimo made the appeal in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, warning that the signpost could create confusion over the boundary between the two states, particularly around Yakoyo in Isheri-Ojodu Ward, which he maintained falls within Ogun State.
The council chairman insisted that the disputed location was within the jurisdiction of Ifo Local Government and urged the Lagos State Government to refrain from actions that could heighten tensions or worsen the longstanding boundary disagreement.
The development comes following the construction of a road by the administration of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, according to the statement.
Ifo Local Government said the boundary dispute had generated concerns over the years, alleging that Lagos State had repeatedly attempted to assert control over areas it considered part of Ogun State.
The council stressed the need for an objective determination of the boundary through official records, approved survey coordinates and relevant government documents to establish the precise territorial limits of both states.
It warned that the placement of the signpost could further complicate the dispute if the boundary was not properly verified, adding that both governments must respect each other’s territorial jurisdiction.
“The Lagos State Government should hereby desist from further actions of encroachment on this said territory,” the statement said.
The council also appealed to both state governments to approach the matter cautiously and pursue a peaceful resolution in the interest of residents and communities along their shared boundary.
However, the Special Adviser on Media to the Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Akinkunmi Bello, denied allegations that the council chairman, Segun Odunmbaku, was responsible for erecting the signposts.
In a WhatsApp message to PUNCH Online, Bello said the signposts were installed by the Lagos State Government, adding that the state government was better positioned to respond to the concerns raised by Kusimo.
Bello faulted the Ogun council chairman for reaching his conclusions without what he described as thorough research and investigation.
Media reports on Monday indicated that the Lagos State Government had commenced the installation of boundary signposts across the state to clarify territorial limits between neighbouring communities and states.
The exercise was reportedly designed to address uncertainties surrounding boundary lines and prevent disputes arising from alleged encroachment.
The signposts were said to have been installed in several locations, including Eredo-Epe, around Mojoda, the Itokin–Ijebu Ode Road, Ikorodu–Shagamu Road, Ojodu–Alagbole Road, Owode–Apa Road and the Seme Border.
The dispute has renewed calls for both state governments to rely on official boundary records and established survey documentation to resolve territorial disagreements and maintain peaceful relations between affected communities.
