The Ogun State government, on Thursday, dismissed claims by the Ondo State government over the ownership of Eba Island, where an oil well is currently under investigation.
The Ogun government asserted that the island falls within its jurisdiction and cautioned against any attempt to stir communal tensions between the Ijebu and Ilaje peoples, who have historically coexisted peacefully.
The controversy reportedly arose after the Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore, issued a statement asserting that Oke-Agor-Isekun, where an abandoned oil well was discovered, belongs to Ondo State and not Ogun State.
However, on Thursday, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s the Special Adviser on Energy, Mr. Jide Onakoya, described Ondo’s claim as “misleading and contrary to established historical, traditional, and legal evidence.”
Onakoya labelled such the assertion by Sowore “an affront to the Awujale of Ijebu Land and the Ijebu Traditional Council,” reiterating that historical records and documented evidence confirm that the disputed area is within Ogun State.
He clarified that boundary delineations between local and state governments are based on markers recognised by the National Boundary Commission and that a thorough examination of relevant maps affirms that Eba Island lies within Ogun Waterside Local Government in Ogun State.
Quoting a document from the Palace of Makun-Omi, the statement asserted:
“It is indisputable that the oil well currently under investigation is located in Eba Island, which falls within Ogun Waterside in Ogun State.”
Furthermore, the government condemned Ondo’s claim over Irokun, a community in the same Ogun Waterside Local Government, calling it “a reckless attempt to incite conflict.”
The government emphasised that “Irokun has been an Ijebu settlement since the colonial era, transitioning through the Western Region to Ogun State.”
“The geographical boundary declarations along the Bight of Benin confirm Irokun and Araromi Seaside as part of Ogun State, with the Onirokun of Irokun being a recognized member of the Ijebu Traditional Council,” Onakoya stated.
He traced the origin of misinformation about the ownership of the community to Oba Samuel Edema, the Molokun of Atijere in Ondo State, alleging him as a key instigator.
He explained that in October 2024, Oba Edema contacted Oba Kazeem Adesina Salami, the Osobia of Makun-Omi, seeking permission for a business venture in Eba Island, located in Ogun Waterside.
However, the Ogun monarch, acting lawfully, declined the request and promptly reported the matter to Governor Abiodun, who escalated it to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and security agencies.
“Following these reports, officials from the NNPC and law enforcement agencies visited the area to conduct due diligence. Ondo’s reaction to this legitimate action resulted in a misleading communiqué from the Ilaje Traditional Council, further escalating tensions.
“The government condemns attempts at territorial expansion and the misuse of colonial-era documents to justify claims that contradict Nigeria’s constitutional framework,” Obakoya said.
Ogun government cited Colonial Government Gazette No. 660, dated April 29, 1950, which clearly defined the boundary between the Ijebu and Ondo provinces, overriding earlier documents such as Government Notices No. 69 of 1919 and No. 114 of 1920.
“The Gazette, signed by Acting Chief Secretary to the Colonial Government, H.F. Marshall, solidifies Ogun State’s ownership of the disputed territory.
“Ogun State reaffirms its commitment to maintaining peace and urged stakeholders to respect legal boundaries to avoid unnecessary conflict,” he added.
