By Adedoyin Oguntade

Residents of Ilaje Mahin in Ondo State have renewed their claim to Eba Island, warning that disputes over its ownership risk sidelining host communities just as federal authorities approve new oil exploration in the area.

A prince, Ola Akinyomi, in a statement submitted that the island “is historically and administratively part of Ilaje land”, describing the clarification as necessary to safeguard community rights amid growing economic interest tied to recent oil discoveries.

The renewed assertion follows reports of a boundary dispute between Ondo and Ogun states after federal approval was granted for oil drilling activities on the island.

Oil discovery reignites boundary tensions

Eba Island has become the centre of competing territorial claims. While Ogun State maintains that the island falls within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ondo authorities argue that historical records, administrative control and traditional institutions firmly place it within Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The traditional ruler of Atijere, Samuel Adeoye, an Oba, stated that Eba Island has belonged to the Atijere community “from time immemorial”, insisting that documentary evidence supports Ondo’s claim.

Official insists Eba Island belongs to Ilaje land

The Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Oil and Gas, Samson Obazuaye, has aligned with the Amapetu of Mahinland and the member representing Ilaje Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Donald Ojogo, on the ownership of Eba Island.

Mr Obazuaye said the island is historically, geographically and administratively part of Ilaje land in Ondo State.

The governor’s aide, who recently undertook a working visit to Eba Island, described as untrue a statement credited to the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, concerning the geographical location of the island.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that all boundary matters are addressed through constitutionally recognised mechanisms.

According to him, recent reports of oil discovery and emerging claims over state ownership do not alter the territorial status of Eba Island.

Officials of the state also cited administrative records indicating that the island fell under the Atijere Native Court Authority as far back as 1937, was incorporated into Ilaje District Council in 1950, and remained within Ilaje/Ese-Odo Local Government when it was created in 1975.

The island is currently designated as an Ondo State forestry reserve. Community leaders note that successive Baales of its settlements, including Ago Alaja, Balogun Bode and Fasuyi have been appointed by the Ondo State Government. They also reference infrastructure provision and natural river boundaries as further evidence of state jurisdiction.

Resource control and development concerns

Beyond the legal arguments, community leaders say the dispute raises broader development questions.

Ilaje is predominantly a fishing community, with livelihoods closely tied to coastal and marine resources. Residents fear that unclear ownership and external control over oil operations could marginalise host communities, limit participation and weaken accountability mechanisms.

Their concerns reflect a wider pattern in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions, where resource wealth has not consistently translated into local development. The Ogoni people of Rivers State have long struggled with environmental degradation resulting from oil extraction activities by multinational corporations such as Shell. Despite the immense wealth generated from oil, the community has endured severe pollution, the loss of agricultural land and inadequate infrastructure.

Similarly, the Ijaw communities in the Niger Delta, located in areas rich in oil reserves, continue to grapple with poverty, limited access to basic amenities such as clean water and healthcare, and infrastructural decay. Although surrounded by oil production facilities, many Ijaw communities argue that the benefits of their natural resources rarely reach them, even as they bear the brunt of environmental degradation. These cases demonstrate that, despite the presence of oil in these territories, fundamental developmental challenges persist.

Call for lawful engagement and host community inclusion

According to the Ilaje statement, Eba Island is inhabited by Ilaje people and administered through the recognised traditional institutions of the Amapetu of Mahin and the Molokun of Atijere.

The community maintains that these authorities constitute the legitimate custodians through whom consent for exploration and production activities must be obtained.

While expressing openness to responsible investment and acknowledging federal efforts to expand oil production, community representatives warned that misrepresentation of the island’s territorial status could generate tension.

They emphasised that host community participation is both a legal and moral requirement under the Petroleum Industry Act, adding that exclusion or procedural lapses could undermine peace and stability.

Despite the dispute, Ilaje leaders reiterated their commitment to dialogue, economic development and constructive engagement with government and investors, provided community rights and historical claims are respected.