Eba Island Row — Ondo Monarch Demands Boundary Commission Action

Oba Samuel Adeoye, the traditional ruler of Atijere Kingdom in Ondo State's Ilaje Local Government Area, has formally appealed to the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to step in and resolve the ongoing territorial disagreement between Ondo and Ogun states regarding Eba Island, a region known for its oil reserves. The monarch advised potential investors to refrain from acquiring land solely from any single community within the contested area. He emphasized that all kingdoms impacted by the dispute must be consulted on decisions concerning the island until a definitive resolution is reached. Oba Adeoye firmly rejected Ogun State's assertion of ownership over the island, maintaining that the territory is unequivocally part of Ondo State.

For some time now, both Ondo and Ogun states have been entangled in a heated controversy over who owns the oil-rich Eba Island, with each state asserting its claims. The Ogun State Government has consistently upheld its jurisdiction over the island, which it places within its Waterside Local Government Area, labelling Ondo State's counter-claims as inaccurate and potentially inciting unnecessary communal unrest. Conversely, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, Ondo State's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, expressed surprise at the dispute, contending that historical administrative records and official documents spanning many decades have always recognized Eba Island as an integral part of Ondo State.

During a meeting convened at his palace in Atijere on Thursday, Oba Adeoye voiced his strong disapproval of the renewed contention surrounding the island's ownership. The traditional ruler revealed that despite the NBC's awareness of the conflict, it had not yet achieved a resolution. He further alleged that attempts to facilitate discussions between Ondo and Ogun states to address the matter had not been successful. The monarch explained that the heightened focus on the island is primarily due to the recent discovery of crude oil, emphasizing that prior to this finding, there had been no ownership disputes concerning Eba Island for several decades.

Oba Adeoye stated, "The NBC is aware of the crisis that is going on, but they lack the political will to do anything. But they are on it. I remember that NBC wrote a letter asking for a meeting between the two states. The meeting was to be held in April, this year but Ogun State said they had no chance." He added, "Ondo State has written a lot of letters on the need for NBC to come up and take up this issue because it was NBC that directed that we should maintain the status quo before this oil was discovered. So they should come now and resolve it."

Oba Adeoye pointed out that Eba Island and its neighbouring communities have been established for a long time, with its inhabitants having ancestral roots in the Ilaje region, predating the migration of many to more populated areas. He further presented the conduct of elections on the contested island as proof of Ondo State's administrative control, highlighting the existence of polling units there during past electoral exercises, including the recent bye-election for the Ondo South Senatorial District.

With oil exploration activities already underway on the island, Oba Adeoye implored the Federal Government to ensure his kingdom is not excluded and that all communities bordering the island are fully involved once comprehensive oil operations commence. "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 asserted. He continued, "It is the duty of the National Boundary Commission to determine the boundary between two states. It is not the duty of Ogun State to determine the boundary. When there is a dispute like this, it is the National Boundary Commission that will determine it. Now that there is a dispute, no state can lay claim to that place for now." Oba Adeoye further emphasized, "But for peace to reign and for the project to continue, all the adjoining communities and kingdoms around that place must be carried along and considered co-owners until the states settle the matter."

The disagreement over the island's ownership has intensified, with prominent figures in Ogun State and representatives from Ondo State's oil commission exchanging accusations and counter-accusations regarding the contested area. Weeks ago, the House of Representatives directed its appropriate committees to probe the island's territorial standing. This directive came after the adoption of a motion during plenary, initiated by Joseph Adegbesan, the federal lawmaker representing Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Federal Constituency.