By Danjuma Amodu | 23 January 2026
A coalition of concerned citizens and professionals from Ogun West has issued an open petition to Governor Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, calling for immediate clarification on the approved locations for commercial oil drilling in the state. The group, known as the Concerned Ogun West Professionals and Technocrats (COWEPT), alleges that contradictory statements from government sources have created public confusion and raised fears of regional bias.
According to the petition, initial reports indicated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had authorised oil exploration at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government (Ogun West) and simultaneously approved the development of the Olokola Deep Seaport/Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside (Ogun East).
However, subsequent “edited” versions of the announcement have replaced Tongeji Island with Eba, a site in Ogun Waterside, as the sole drilling location.
The petitioners argue that the shifting narrative suggests either administrative disarray or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. They warn that such “double standards” could undermine trust, fuel regional tension, and compromise security, particularly given the strategic importance of Tongeji Island for border protection against infiltration from Benin Republic.
COWEPT’s demands include:
1. A categorical, signed official statement (Gazette or White Paper) confirming precisely which sites have received presidential approval for oil drilling, whether Tongeji Island, Eba, or both.
2. An end to the circulation of edited or contradictory information by government proxies on social media and other platforms.
3. Equitable distribution of development benefits from the Blue Marine Economic Zone and any oil prospects, ensuring that both Ogun East and Ogun West receive a fair share of investment and infrastructure.
The petition has been copied to the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, and all traditional rulers in Ogun West and Ogun East.
In response, a spokesperson for the Governor’s Office said the administration “takes the concerns of citizens seriously and will provide a clear, transparent update on the status of oil exploration projects in due course.”
The controversy highlights the heightened stakes surrounding Ogun State’s entry into Nigeria’s oil‑producing region and underscores the need for consistent, transparent communication from state authorities.
