Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has denied claims suggesting he was responsible for the relocation of the Dangote Refinery from Ogun State to Lagos, stating that the decision was made before his administration came into office.
The governor also reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to the development of the proposed Deep Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, while disclosing that oil exploration and drilling activities have already begun in Eba as part of efforts to position the state as an oil-producing hub.
Abiodun made the remarks during the commissioning of the 6-kilometre Stadium–Luba–Tam Balogun Road in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.
He said the Deep Sea Port project is progressing as planned and expressed confidence that it will become one of the largest and deepest ports in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the longest berth on the continent once completed.
According to him, detailed updates on the project will be made public soon, as the state intensifies efforts to strengthen its maritime and industrial capacity.
The governor also recalled his campaign promise to transform Ogun State into an oil-producing state, noting that exploration activities currently underway are yielding progress after years of untapped potential.
He maintained that earlier administrations had opportunities to develop the resources but said significant advancement is being achieved under his leadership.
Addressing concerns about the relocation of the Dangote Refinery, Abiodun said he had made efforts to retain the project in Ogun State but insisted that the final decision preceded his tenure.
He dismissed allegations linking him to the loss of the project, attributing it to decisions made before his administration.
The governor further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across Ogun East Senatorial District, including the federal takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education, the development of a Dry Port, road reconstruction projects, and oil exploration initiatives.
He revealed that over 26 roads have been completed in Ijebu-Ode following the declaration of a road infrastructure emergency, while 12 additional road projects are currently ongoing.
Abiodun urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining public infrastructure, especially by avoiding the dumping of refuse in drainage systems, noting that such practices could damage newly constructed roads.
He said the projects were funded by taxpayers and are aimed at improving economic activity and living standards across the state.
Officials present at the event, including the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, praised the quality of the road project, noting that it features durable construction elements such as reinforced drains, kerbs, and road markings.
The Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, described the governor as a “silent achiever,” crediting his administration’s infrastructure drive and economic projects such as the Deep Sea Port and Dry Port with transforming the state’s economic outlook.
Traditional leaders and local government officials also commended the administration for improved infrastructure delivery and pledged continued support, noting that ongoing projects have positively impacted communities across Ijebuland.
