Monarch Urges Federal Intervention in Ondo-Ogun Eba Island Dispute

The traditional ruler of Atijere Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Samuel Adeoye, has called on the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to urgently resolve the boundary dispute between Ondo and Ogun states over the oil-rich Eba Island. Speaking at his palace in Atijere, Ilaje Local Government Area, on Thursday, the monarch urged prospective investors to avoid acquiring land from any single community in the disputed area until the ownership issue is officially settled. Oba Adeoye maintained that Eba Island belongs to Ondo State, rejecting claims by the Ogun State Government, which has insisted the territory falls within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. The disagreement has intensified following the discovery of oil deposits on the island. The monarch said the NBC had long been aware of the dispute but had yet to reach a final resolution. He disclosed that a meeting between both states, scheduled by the commission earlier this year, did not hold after Ogun State was unable to participate. According to him, there had been little controversy over the island's ownership before oil was discovered, adding that communities around Eba Island have historical ties to the Ilaje area dating back several decades.

He also cited previous elections conducted in the area, including the recent Ondo South Senatorial by-election, as evidence of Ondo State's long-standing administrative presence on the island. Oba Adeoye appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that all neighbouring communities benefit from future oil exploration activities, stressing that no single state or community should claim exclusive ownership until the boundary dispute is resolved. Meanwhile, the ownership dispute continues to generate conflicting claims from officials of both states. The House of Representatives has directed its relevant committees to investigate the territorial status of Eba Island following a motion moved by a federal lawmaker. The monarch called for dialogue and adherence to the National Boundary Commission's eventual decision, saying a peaceful resolution remains essential to preventing conflict and ensuring that affected communities benefit from the island's resources.

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