Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Abeokuta/Lagos — The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area in Ogun State, Kusimo Idris Olalekan, has called on the Lagos State Government to restrain the Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area over the erection of a signpost inscribed “Welcome to Lagos State” at a contested location along the Yakoyo–Ojodu Road.
Olalekan said the placement of the signpost has heightened tensions over the boundary between the two neighbouring states, particularly in the Yakoyo area of Isheri-Ojodu Ward. Ifo Local Government maintains that the site falls within Ogun State’s territorial jurisdiction.
According to the council, the signpost, which marks what it presents as the entry point into Lagos State, risks creating confusion among residents and road users about the actual boundary line. The development follows the construction of a road in the area by the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Ifo Local Government insisted that the disputed location remains under its authority and urged the Lagos State Government to intervene by directing the Ojodu LCDA chairman to stop actions that could escalate the boundary disagreement.
The episode comes against the backdrop of longstanding territorial disputes between Lagos and Ogun states in border communities, including the Ojodu–Ifo axis. Lagos has in recent days begun installing official boundary demarcation signposts across several border points, including the Ojodu–Alagbole Road, as part of efforts to clarify territorial limits, prevent encroachment and promote peaceful coexistence. The Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development said the markers follow specifications from the Office of the Surveyor-General.
Previous efforts to address the Ojodu–Ifo boundary have included joint inspections involving Ojodu LCDA officials and Lagos State boundary teams, covering areas from Kosoko Street in Ojodu-Berger up to Yakoyo Bridge. The matter has also featured in broader engagements, with Lagos previously referring some inter-state boundary issues to the National Boundary Commission.
As of Tuesday, there was no immediate public response from the Ojodu LCDA chairman or the Lagos State Government to the specific complaint from Ifo Local Government. Residents and stakeholders in the border communities continue to watch developments closely amid calls for clarity and peaceful resolution of the territorial claims.
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