EBA ISLAND OIL DISPUTE: ONDO GOVT BREAKS SILENCE, REJECTS OGUN’S CLAIM

EBA ISLAND OIL DISPUTE: ONDO REJECTS OGUN’S OWNERSHIP CLAIM, SEEKS FEDERAL INTERVENTION

The Ondo State Government has formally rejected Ogun State’s claim of ownership over the oil-rich Eba Island, describing the assertion as unacceptable and misleading, as the long-standing boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states intensifies.

In an official reaction, Ondo State insisted that Eba Island and the oil well recently discovered in commercial quantity are located within Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, not Ogun Waterside as claimed by Ogun authorities.

The Ondo government accused Ogun State of engaging in sensational media narratives and inaccurate territorial claims, warning that such actions could heighten tension among coastal communities if not properly addressed.

Ogun State had earlier announced that the oil discovery at Eba Island falls within its territory, particularly under Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, a position that has been strongly disputed by Ondo State and Ilaje communities who maintain historical, administrative and cultural ties to the area.

The disagreement has since attracted national attention, prompting the House of Representatives to urge the Federal Government and the National Boundary Commission to urgently intervene. Lawmakers expressed concern that the dispute, if left unresolved, could lead to communal unrest between residents of Ilaje (Ondo State) and Ogun Waterside (Ogun State).

Traditional institutions and community leaders on both sides have also weighed in. While Ondo monarchs and Ilaje leaders reaffirm that Eba Island has historically belonged to Ondo State, some traditional rulers and communities in Ogun Waterside have advanced rival claims based on ancestral settlements and custodianship.

Analysts note that the dispute reflects broader challenges associated with coastal boundary demarcations, where colonial-era records, migration patterns and overlapping claims have continued to generate conflicts between states.

Beyond territorial ownership, the dispute carries significant economic implications, as control of the oil-bearing area could translate into increased revenue, development projects and employment opportunities for host communities.

As of press time, no final decision has been reached by the National Boundary Commission or the courts, leaving the matter open for federal mediation, legal interpretation and further negotiations between the two states.