By GEB
The tension brewing between Ogun and Ondo states over ownership of Eba Island, believed to be rich in oil and other natural deposits, reflects a desire for economic advantage. But it should be checked by relevant authorities, particularly the National Boundary Commission, to establish the island’s rightful location.
The anxiety of the two states to own the island is understandable, given the 13 per cent derivation fund to be paid to the host as mandated by Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution. But the claims should not lead to desperation or be allowed to destroy the erstwhile cordial relationship not only among the inhabitants of the boundary communities where the disputed island is located, but also between Ogun and Ondo as states in the South-West geopolitical zone.
The conflict is not and should not be seen as between Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and his Ondo counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Both are representatives of their two states as current governors. It is really a disagreement between the two sister Yoruba states that should not escalate, especially as both parties have a responsibility to always point the way to legitimate means of resolving disputes, whether between individuals, groups, or governments. The two states should adopt this approach in the interest of peace and justice.
The disagreement erupted soon after it was reported that President Bola Tinubu had approved oil drilling on the island. Governor Abiodun issued a statement informing the people about oil exploration and that it would soon begin to yield the state 13 per cent derivation fund from the Federal Government. But Ondo State swiftly and vehemently rejected Ogun State’s claim of ownership of Eba Island, describing the assertion as misleading, inconsistent and unacceptable.
In a statement, Governor Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, claimed the island falls squarely within Ogun State based on historical, legal, and administrative records.
“Boundaries between states and local governments in Nigeria are constitutionally defined and properly documented by the National Boundary Commission (NBC). Official boundary maps and records clearly situate Eba Island within Ogun State.” Akinmade argued that Eba is a long-established community within Ogun Waterside, whose status predates Nigeria’s independence and has remained unchanged through successive political and administrative reorganisations, including the 1976 state-creation exercise that carved out Ogun State from the former Western State.
Akinmade noted that the federal approval followed extensive due diligence by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other federal agencies, which confirmed the well’s location within Ogun State before clearance was granted. Ogun State rejected claims based on colonial documents from 1919 and 1920 as misleading, pointing instead to what it called Colonial Government Gazette No. 660 of April 29, 1950, which it claims clearly defined the boundary between the former Ijebu and Ondo provinces.
But Ondo State rejected Ogun’s claim, insisting that the island belongs to Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area. In a statement, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Allen Sowore, accused Ogun of issuing misleading public statements and media briefings, emphasising that while host states and communities are recognised in oil exploration, territorial claims must be established by historical records, documentary evidence, and statutory or judicial determination.
“Ownership of land or territorial location of petroleum resources is not established by press statements or shifting public narratives. Rather, such matters are determined by empirical facts, historical records, documentary evidence, established administrative practice, and, where necessary, judicial or statutory determinations. In this case, the oil deposit in question is situated in Atijere, Ondo State.”
Reiterating that the landowners in the area are Ilaje indigenes, and that the village has existed since at least 1937, Sowore said: “Eba Island has historically fallen under the Atijere Native Court Authority. River Ufara, which runs through Imakun into Oluwa River, serves as a natural demarcating feature/boundary between Ilaje land and Ijebu land. Ogun and Ondo states are distinct entities with clearly defined administrative and historical boundaries and a long record of cordial relations. Recent attempts to misrepresent facts regarding an oil deposit situated within Ondo State—even to federal authorities—are unacceptable.”
Ondo further traced the historical status of Eba Island, noting that it formed part of Ilaje-Mahin country in the defunct Lagos Colony before the 1914 amalgamation and later became part of Ondo Province. It added that the island has consistently remained under Ondo State administration through successive local government reorganisations and is still designated as an Ondo State forestry reserve.
No doubt, the dispute has serious security implications that, if not carefully managed, may provoke clashes among supporters of both parties. However, it should not be allowed to escalate and should be resolved legitimately and timely. For a start, the governors, either directly or through their spokespersons, should avoid inflammatory remarks that can raise tension, particularly among communities around the disputed island. All relevant security agencies should ensure law and order is maintained and exhibit impartiality and neutrality in doing so.
The intervention of the House of Representatives following a motion by a member from Ondo State calling for urgent action to prevent clashes is welcome. It is also encouraging that the lawmakers and the two states have agreed to invite the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to resolve the matter. While the NBC and other relevant federal agencies investigate the claims objectively, the governors and relevant state agencies should support efforts to ascertain the true owner.
The two states should explore an amicable resolution, including judicial intervention, to determine the island’s actual host.
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