Ogun State’s claim of ownership of Eba Island absolutely false, unacceptable – Ondo
Ogun State Government has dismissed claims that the oil well located on Eba Island belongs to Ondo State, adding that such a claim is misleading and capable of triggering avoidable communal tension.
Recall that the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Communication & Strategy, Allen Sowore, had on Friday, issued a statement, insisting that the oil well is located in Ondo and not Ogun.
Sowore called on the National Boundary Commission and relevant federal agencies to make available authoritative records and documentary evidence to put an end to the misleading claims and unnecessary public tension.
He said, “Our position is straightforward: the facts in this matter speak for themselves, res ipsa loquitur. The oil deposit is located within Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“The landowners are indigenes of Atijere, where they reside. The village has existed since at least 1937, and Eba Island has historically fallen under the Atijere Native Court Authority. Subsequently, Eba Island was incorporated into the Ilaje District Council around 1950, with Atijere as its headquarters” he explained.
Responding, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the Eba Island where the approved oil well is located falls squarely within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Akinmade in a statement issued on Sunday, clarified that there are two distinct locations known as “Eba” stressing that while one is located near the Ondo State forest reserve, the larger Eba Island, where the oil well approved by the President is situated lies entirely within Ogun State’s coastal corridor.
According to him, the boundaries between states and local governments in Nigeria are constitutionally defined and properly documented by the National Boundary Commission (NBC), adding that official boundary maps and records clearly situate Eba Island within Ogun State.
Akinmade said, “The clarification follows public debates and a motion sponsored by Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, representing Ilaje Federal Constituency in Ondo State, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the commencement of drilling activities at an abandoned oil well located on Eba Island.
“Since 1976, there has been no constitutional amendment, judicial pronouncement or federal gazette that altered the boundary placing Eba outside Ogun State,” the statement said.
Akinmade noted that the presidential approval for drilling followed extensive due diligence by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and other relevant federal institutions, all of which confirmed that the oil well is located within Ogun State territory before clearance was granted.
He added that the deployment of national security assets, including naval formations around the drilling site, further demonstrates federal recognition of Ogun State as the host state.
He described the historical claims being circulated as misleading, arguing that they are colonial documents from 1919 and 1920, pointing out that the Colonial Government Gazette No. 660 of April 29, 1950, which clearly defined the boundary between the former Ijebu and Ondo Provinces, should be circulated.
The government also cited lease agreements, historical community records and survey documents, including the Olokola Free Trade Zone Survey Plan as further evidence establishing Eba Island as part of Ogun State.
Administrative validation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also referenced, with the polling unit at LA Primary School, Eba, officially registered under Makun/Irokun Ward in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Akinmade said that following the discovery of hydrocarbon prospects in the coastal corridor, the Ogun State Government conducted independent verification of the well coordinates using geospatial and cartographic technology, which confirmed that the wells are located within Ogun State boundaries.
Meanwhile, he cautioned against the spread of misinformation and inflammatory narratives, calling for restraint and responsible engagement by all parties.
The Ogun State government, however, reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, peaceful coexistence and cooperation with the Federal Government in safeguarding national assets, adding that the people of Makun-Omi Kingdom have assured authorities of their readiness to maintain peace and protect lives and property.
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