...Cautions investors against land transactions on disputed island pending boundary resolution



‎The Molokun of Atijere Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Samuel Adeoye, Edema I, has insisted that the oil-rich Eba Island belongs to Ondo State, rejecting claims by neighbouring Ogun State and warning that his people may resort to protests if they continue to be excluded from discussions and benefits arising from oil-related activities in the area.
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‎Speaking on the lingering dispute over the ownership of the island, the monarch said the controversy only emerged after the discovery of oil deposits, stressing that the territory had existed peacefully for decades without any ownership dispute.
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‎According to him, communities around the island, including Ago Alaja and Ago Balogun under Atijere Kingdom, have occupied the area for generations and maintain historical ties to the land despite migration by some residents to larger settlements such as Igbokoda.
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‎Oba Adeoye maintained that the communities under his kingdom are directly affected by developments on the island and therefore deserve recognition as stakeholders in all decisions relating to oil exploration and development projects in the area.
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‎"What I want is that our rights should be given to us. We must be considered as part of the oil-producing community. If they want to do anything there, they must come to Atijere and discuss with us," the monarch said.
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‎He accused those handling engagements on the project of excluding Atijere Kingdom while consulting only a few neighbouring communities, insisting that his people have legitimate claims and interests in the disputed territory.
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‎The traditional ruler also faulted Ogun State's claim to the island, saying no state should lay claim to the area until the National Boundary Commission (NBC) concludes its determination of the boundary between the two states.
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‎While acknowledging that the NBC is aware of the dispute, Oba Adeoye expressed concern over the slow pace of efforts to resolve the matter, alleging that previous attempts to convene meetings between Ondo and Ogun states had not produced the desired outcome.
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‎He further cited electoral activities conducted in the area as evidence of Ondo State's presence, claiming that elections had previously been held in communities located within the disputed territory.
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‎On the way forward, the monarch called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and contractors handling projects in the area to ensure that all adjoining communities are carried along in consultations and development plans.
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‎He warned that residents of Atijere Kingdom would mobilise and embark on peaceful protests if they continue to be sidelined, insisting that the community would not remain silent while decisions affecting its future are taken without its participation.
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‎Oba Adeoye also cautioned prospective investors against purchasing land from any single community on Eba Island, arguing that ownership claims remain unresolved. 
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He stressed that all affected kingdoms must be involved in any discussions regarding land transactions or development activities pending the final resolution of the boundary dispute by the National Boundary Commission.