OGUN LEADERS INSIST EBA ISLAND BELONGS TO OGUN, CONDEMN THREATS FROM ONDO COMMUNITIES
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Agency Report
Prominent leaders and traditional rulers from Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State have declared that the disputed oil-rich Eba Island is unequivocally part of Ogun State, dismissing contrary claims from neighbouring communities in Ondo State as false and provocative.
The leaders, led by the traditional ruler of Abigi, Oba Segun Ogunye, and former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Prof Segun Awonusi, addressed journalists in Abeokuta on Sunday. They condemned what they described as misleading narratives from residents of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, including threats allegedly issued by ex-militants to attack national economic assets if the oil field is not ceded within 14 days.
The leaders described such threats as an affront to national security and called on security agencies to take appropriate action to forestall any crisis.
They maintained that historical records and statutory documents clearly establish that the larger Eba Island—where commercial oil drilling has been approved—lies within Ogun Waterside. According to them, while there are two locations known as Eba Island, the oil-bearing island approved for exploration by President Bola Tinubu is situated in Ogun State, whereas a smaller Eba lies closer to the Ondo forest boundary.
Prof. Awonusi cited lease agreements, survey documents, and the Olokola Free Trade Zone survey plan as evidence supporting Ogun’s claim. He also referenced the existence of a registered polling unit under Makun/Irokun Ward created by the Independent National Electoral Commission, as well as the Ogun State Government’s longstanding administrative presence in the area, including maintenance of a primary school and payment of staff salaries.
He further pointed to Government Gazette No. 660 of April 29, 1950, signed by Acting Chief Secretary H.F. Marshall, which he said clearly delineated the boundaries between Ijebu and Ondo Provinces, superseding earlier colonial notices cited by opposing claimants.
The leaders also dismissed a recent motion sponsored by Donald Ojogo in the House of Representatives as misleading and capable of inciting communal tension between the Ijebu and Ilaje people, who have historically coexisted peacefully.
They urged their Ilaje neighbours to halt what they termed an aggressive media campaign and distortion of historical facts, while calling on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to intervene and prevent avoidable conflict.
The Ogun leaders expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for facilitating the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba Island, pledging continued support for efforts aimed at strengthening economic development in the country.
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