Traditional rulers and key stakeholders from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have firmly rejected claims by neighbouring Ogun State asserting that Eba Island, recently reported to have oil deposits, falls under its jurisdiction.
The Ilaje monarchs, speaking under the banner of the Ilaje Local Government Traditional Chieftaincy Committee, addressed the matter during a press briefing with journalists.
Leading the delegation, the chairman of the Ilaje traditional rulers, the Amapetu of Mahinland, Oba Williams Akinyomi, described the Ogun claim as historically inaccurate and inconsistent with established administrative and geographical records.
Oba Akinyomi emphasized that Eba Island, along with Atijere and several nearby settlements, has always formed part of Ilaje land and remains under the legal authority of Ilaje Local Government Area.
He noted that historical documents show the pre-colonial boundary between Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje and the Ijebu axis has always been demarcated by the meeting point of the red and white sand at the Efire/Ofara River, a natural landmark still visible today.
Highlighting the potential for conflict, the monarch called on the federal government to intervene to prevent a crisis.
“Regarding the land dispute between Ogun and Ondo State, the way forward is to ensure that both federal and state authorities recognize that Eba Island is in Ilaje land, within Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area,” Oba Akinyomi said.
He added, “We want the federal government and state governments to set up a committee to examine this issue and avert any conflict. We respect the federal government and the President for their efforts and trust that equity and justice will prevail.”
The monarch further warned Ogun authorities to desist from making illegitimate claims. “If the matter is unresolved, we are ready to pursue legal avenues. If there is no compromise, the legal route will be followed,” he stressed.
Speaking next, the secretary of the committee, the Odoka of Ogbara Kingdom, Oba Femi Ogbaro, cited electoral evidence to support their claim.
He pointed out that Lugboroko Polling Unit 24 and Basa Polling Unit 21, both located within the Eba Island Forest Reserve, fall under Mahin Ward IV in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Oba Ogbaro said the operation of these polling units under Nigeria’s electoral system reinforces the long-standing administrative control of Ilaje over the area.
In his remark, Oba Samuel Adeoye, the Moloku of Atijere Kingdom, insisted that Eba Island falls within his kingdom and called for a roundtable discussion between both states.
“There should be a meeting where both communities and state governments sit down, review all issues, and resolve them amicably. God will give us the wisdom to do so,” Oba Adeoye said.
While expressing support for oil exploration in the Eba area, the Ilaje monarchs warned that they would resist any attempt to annex their land and urged an on-site investigation involving representatives from the affected communities and both states.
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