Ifo raises alarm over Lagos signpost in disputed border community

The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area in Ogun State, Hon. Kusimo Idris Olalekan, has called on the Lagos State Government to intervene in a boundary dispute with Ojodu Local Government over a signpost declaring the entrance into Lagos State along the Yakoyo-Ojodu Road.

Hon. Kushimo said the signpost, bearing the inscription “Welcome to Lagos State”, was erected at a location that Ifo Local Government claims falls within its territorial jurisdiction.

The development has renewed concerns over the disputed boundary around Yakoyo in Isheri-Ojodu Ward, where the two neighbouring states have continued to face questions over their territorial limits.

According to the Ifo council chairman, the signpost could mislead residents and road users about the actual boundary between Ogun and Lagos, prompting his call for the Lagos government to caution its Ojodu counterpart.

The dispute comes against the backdrop of road construction by the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun in the affected area.

Ifo Local Government maintains that the location belongs to Ogun State and has urged Lagos authorities to prevent actions that could heighten tensions between communities along the boundary.

The council said the Yakoyo-Ojodu axis had been a source of territorial disagreement over the years, alleging repeated attempts by Lagos to assert control over areas claimed by Ogun State.

It called for both states to resolve the matter through official boundary records, approved survey coordinates and relevant government documents to establish the precise limits of their respective territories.

The council warned that continued uncertainty could create confusion for residents and complicate relations between communities on both sides of the disputed boundary.

The Chairman also urged the Lagos government to ensure that actions by local government officials did not undermine cordial relations between the two states.

He reaffirmed Ifo Local Government’s commitment to protecting the interests of its residents while pursuing a resolution through appropriate channels.

The council called on all parties to exercise restraint and respect established territorial limits pending an authoritative determination of the disputed boundary.