The Ondo State Government expressed disapproval of the recent allegation by the Ogun State Government regarding attacks on Ogun citizens by residents of Irokun Community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo.
According to the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, she claimed at a press conference that Irokun and other communities in Ilaje land belonged to Ogun State.
However, the Ondo State Government refuted this on Friday, declaring it as falsehood and asserting that Irokun and other Ilaje communities are part of Ondo State.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, accused officials of the Ogun State Government of causing the crisis and attacks in the affected communities.
The commissioner quoted the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, stating, “On November 3, 2023, Mrs Noimot Saleko-Oyodele alleged that the Government of Ondo State attacked Ogun state citizens in Irokun." She further highlighted that the Ogun State Government's claims were part of a propaganda strategy to reinforce false territorial claims.
The commissioner emphasized the commitment of the Ondo State Government to protect lives and properties, rejecting the Ogun Deputy Governor's admonition to call Ondo citizens to order.
She noted the historical and political ties between Ondo and Ogun states, emphasizing that Irokun and other coastal communities mentioned were not in dispute between the neighboring states.
Quoting the commissioner, "These towns are legally and administratively within Ondo State territory, and the towns have a formidable presence of the state government, attesting to the administrative control of the state over these areas."
She also addressed the declaration by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, quoting, "On no account will the Ogun State Government cede an inch of this land to Ondo State," describing it as comedic.
The commissioner reiterated Ondo State's contentment with its territorial boundaries and commitment to the development of the areas, including its vast coastline shared historically with Lagos State. She concluded that no part of it would be ceded without justification.