...urge federal intervention, on-site verification
Traditional rulers and stakeholders from Ilaje Local Government in Ondo State have firmly rejected claims by some monarchs from Ogun Waterside in Ogun State that Eba Island where oil has reportedly been discovered belongs to Ogun State.
They described the assertion as historically inaccurate and contrary to established administrative and traditional records.
At a press briefing, the Chairman of the Ilaje Traditional Rulers, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Segun Williams Akinyomi, Arole Alawe and Prescribed Authority, Amapetu of Mahin Land, declared that Eba Island is an integral part of Ilaje land in Ondo State and urged the Federal Government to intervene promptly to prevent a potential inter-state dispute.
Oba Akinyomi said the position of the Ilaje people was not intended to provoke conflict but to ensure that historical facts and established boundaries were respected.
According to him, the appropriate way forward is for the Federal Government and the governments of Ondo and Ogun states to set up an independent committee to investigate the issue through on-site verification rather than relying solely on documents or maps.
“The way forward is to make the whole world aware that Eba Island is in Ilaje land in Atijere, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. We are not interested in taking what belongs to others by force, but we will not allow anyone to take what belongs to us either.
“My message to the Ogun government is that they should remain within their rightful boundaries. If the matter cannot be resolved amicably, we are prepared to pursue legal avenues,” he added.
The monarch, however, assured that traditional leaders had already engaged local youths to ensure that the situation does not degenerate into violence.
“Our youths understand our position. They respect the traditional institution and will not resort to violence. Dialogue and lawful processes will prevail,” Oba Akinyomi said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the traditional rulers’ forum, His Royal Majesty, Oba Femi Ogbaro, JP, the Odoka of Ogbaro Kingdom, reiterated that historical, administrative and electoral records clearly place Eba Island and surrounding settlements within Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He said the Ilaje traditional rulers were united in rejecting any attempt to include their communities in territorial claims by neighbouring states or in any proposed state creation arrangement that does not reflect historical realities.
The monarch listed several Ilaje communities that must not be subjected to external claims, including Atijere/Eba Island, Agos Betiegbofo, Badore, Bale Sanni, Liyewu I and II, Eba, Igboedun, Irokun, Agbala-Obi, Obinenyin, Araromi, Olosumeta and Itebu Manuwa/Elero.
According to him, historical records dating back more than a century confirm the longstanding administrative and traditional ties of these communities to Ilaje territory.
He explained that the boundary between Mahin District in Ilaje and Ijebu land has historically been marked by a natural landmark, the meeting point of red and white sand at the Efire/Ofara River which stretches westwards from Atijere to the Atlantic coastline.
Oba Ogbaro said the traditional rulers were therefore calling on the National Boundary Commission, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Army, and the National Assembly to conduct an on-site verification involving representatives from both Ondo and Ogun states.
He stressed that such intervention would help clarify the boundary and prevent unnecessary tension between neighbouring communities.
Providing further historical perspective, the Moloku of Atijere Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Samuel Olumide Adeoye, JP, Edema I, said the dispute largely stems from confusion between Eba community and Eba Island.
According to him, the oil discovery referenced in the dispute is located on Eba Island, which he said has always been under the authority of Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area.
“I want to make it very clear that Eba Island is different from Eba community. The oil being discussed is located on Eba Island, which has been under Atijere for centuries and falls squarely within Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State,” Oba Adeoye said.
The monarch explained that electoral records also support Ilaje’s claim, noting that two officially recognised polling units which are Lugboroko Polling Unit 24 and Basa Polling Unit 21 are located within the Eba Island Forest Reserve and fall under Mahin Ward IV of Ilaje Local Government.
“These polling units have existed long before I became an Oba, and their presence within Nigeria’s electoral system confirms Ilaje’s administrative jurisdiction over the area,” he said.
Oba Adeoye also expressed concern that parts of Atijere territory had previously been incorporated into Ogun State without the use of natural boundary features such as rivers, streams or forests.
He alleged that the decision was made arbitrarily during the colonial era after mineral resources such as bitumen, petroleum and silica sand were discovered in the area.
“The painful aspect is that about 60 per cent of Atijere was carved into Ogun State without any natural boundary. Yet the people living there are Ilaje, and Ondo State has been providing infrastructure such as roads and schools in the area,” he said.
He appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to send an independent team to visit the area and examine all historical records in order to arrive at a fair resolution.
“We are appealing to the President of Nigeria and the security agencies to ensure justice is done by sending unbiased representatives to inspect the area physically. Boundaries should not be determined only on paper,” the monarch said.
The Ilaje traditional rulers also stated that they welcome legitimate exploration and development of oil resources in the Eba area, provided that such activities respect established territorial boundaries.
They maintained that while the Ilaje people support economic development that benefits the region and the nation, they would not accept any attempt to annex Ilaje land under any circumstance.
The monarchs concluded by reaffirming their commitment to peace and dialogue, urging all parties to respect historical facts, established boundaries and the traditional authority that has governed the territory for generations.
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