Ogun Admits Error Over Oil Exploration Site as Community Kicks
The Ogun State Government has admitted that its earlier statement on the location of an oil exploration site in the state was incorrect, following backlash from affected communities.
In a clarification issued on Tuesday, the state government acknowledged that Eba community, not Tongeji Island as earlier announced, is the officially approved location for the oil exploration activities.
The admission comes after residents and community leaders kicked against the initial announcement, accusing the government of misinformation and raising concerns over exclusion, environmental impact, and lack of consultation.
According to the government, the mix-up resulted from an administrative error, stressing that the intention was never to mislead the public or undermine any community.
“The state government wishes to clarify that the approved oil exploration site is Eba community. The earlier reference to Tongeji Island was incorrect and is hereby withdrawn,” the statement said.
Despite the clarification, residents of the affected area have continued to express concerns, insisting that proper stakeholder engagement must precede any exploration activities. Some community leaders warned that failure to carry locals along could lead to protests and disruptions.
Environmental advocates have also urged the state and relevant federal agencies to conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments before commencement of drilling, citing potential risks to livelihoods, farmlands, and water bodies.
The Ogun State Government, however, assured residents that all necessary consultations would be carried out and that host communities would not be sidelined in the process.
Officials further promised that exploration activities would adhere strictly to environmental and safety regulations, while benefits accruing from the project would be fairly distributed.
The development has reignited conversations around transparency, community consent, and resource control in oil-producing areas across the country.
