The Traditional rulers and stakeholders from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have rejected claims by Ogun State over the ownership of Eba Island, located along the boundary of the two states. Both states have recently been in a dispute over the oil-rich island.
The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its jurisdiction over the island in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing Ondo State’s claims as misleading and capable of triggering communal tension.
In response, Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, called the dispute “astonishing,” noting that official records and decades of administration recognize the island as part of Ondo State.
The Ilaje monarchs, under the Ilaje Local Government Traditional Chieftaincy Committee, appealed to the Federal Government to intervene and prevent a potential communal crisis.
The statement was signed by Oba Williams Akinyomi, Amapetu of Mahinland, and Oba Femi Ogbaro, Odoka of Ogbara Kingdom.
The monarchs said claims by traditional rulers from Ogun Waterside and the Ijebu axis are historically inaccurate and contradict administrative and geographical records.
They insisted that Eba Island belongs to Ondo State, noting that the island, along with Atijere and surrounding settlements, has historically been part of Ilaje land.
They cited historical boundaries, pre-colonial records, and natural landmarks such as the Efire/Ofara River to support their claim.
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They also referenced electoral evidence, noting that Lugboroko Polling Unit 24 and Basa Polling Unit 21, both within the Eba Island Forest Reserve, fall under Mahin Ward IV in Ilaje Local Government Area.
The monarchs recalled that when Mahin District was incorporated into the Lagos Colony in 1895, Atijere and surrounding communities were part of the district.
The creation of the Atijere Native Court in 1937 and the establishment of Atijere as headquarters of Ilaje District Council in 1955 placed Eba Island under Ilaje authority, a status that has persisted through subsequent administrative structures.
Oba Samuel Adeoye, Monarch of Atijere Kingdom, urged both state governments and the Federal Government to convene a roundtable discussion to resolve the issue amicably. He emphasized the need for cooperation and honesty to prevent prolonged disputes.
While supporting oil exploration in the Eba area, the Ilaje traditional rulers stressed they would resist any attempt to annex Ilaje land and called for an on-site investigation involving representatives from the affected communities and both states.