The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Idris Kusimo, has challenged the position of a “Welcome to Lagos State” signpost alongside the disputed Yakoyo–Ojodu Road, asking the Lagos State Government to intervene within the boundary disagreement.
Mr Kusimo mentioned the signpost might mislead residents and motorists concerning the territorial boundary between the 2 states, insisting that the affected location round Yakoyo in Isheri-Ojodu Ward falls inside Ogun State.
In an announcement issued on Tuesday, the council chairman urged Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to deal with the matter and be certain that actions by officers of the state didn’t worsen the disagreement.
“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 assertion learn.
Contacted by PREMIUM TIMES for feedback on Wednesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, acknowledged the set up of boundary signposts at varied places throughout the state however mentioned he was unaware of the dispute over the location of the signpost alongside Yakoyo–Ojodu Road.
“I’m not aware of that. You should contact the ministry in charge,” he mentioned.
But the Lagos State Government justified the signposts set up alongside the state’s boundaries in an X post on Tuesday. It mentioned the set up adopted the specs of the state’s surveyor normal.
“The initiative is aimed at providing clarity on ambiguities around boundary demarcations between communities and neighbouring States, and to prevent disputes that may arise from boundary encroachment,” the assertion acknowledged.
It additionally quoted the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, as saying throughout the graduation of the train that the state authorities was dedicated to making sure clear boundaries between communities and neighbouring states.
Mrs Bolarinwa, whose Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, is championing the signpost set up train, mentioned the initiative would make sure the boundaries have been “properly indicated in line with the position of the Office of the Surveyor General.”
However, Mr Kusimo mentioned the signpost’s placement had heightened considerations concerning the boundary round Yakoyo, notably following the development of a highway within the space by the Ogun State Government below Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“The dispute follows the placement of signposts bearing the inscription, ‘Welcome to Lagos State,’ along a newly constructed road built by the Ogun State Governor,” he mentioned.
The chairman maintained that the disputed location falls inside his native authorities’s jurisdiction and accused Lagos State of repeatedly making an attempt to claim management over areas it considers a part of Ogun State.
“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,” he mentioned.
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The council known as for the boundary to be decided via official information, authorized survey coordinates and different related authorities paperwork, arguing that an authoritative willpower would assist forestall additional misunderstandings and shield residents’ pursuits.
“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,” Mr Kusimo mentioned.
He urged each state governments to deal with the matter cautiously to forestall rigidity in communities alongside their shared boundary.
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