The Oba And Community Leaders of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area maintaining That Eba Island Remains An Inseparable Part Of Ogun Territory

 

The Oba and Community leaders of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area have firmly declared that no portion of their ancestral land will be ceded to Ondo State, maintaining that Eba Island remains an inseparable part of Ogun territory amid the ongoing dispute over oil exploration rights.

At a press conference held in Abeokuta, traditional rulers and elders reaffirmed that historical, legal, and documented records clearly establish Ogun Waterside’s ownership of the oil-rich island. 

They emphasized that Eba Island — recently approved by the Federal Government for commercial oil exploitation following presidential authorization — lies within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and is positioned to significantly boost Nigeria’s oil production while contributing meaningfully to the national economy.

The monarchs strongly condemned alleged threats reportedly linked to Ilaje groups, describing such actions as unacceptable and capable of undermining peace and stability in the area. They called on security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property and to apprehend any individuals or groups attempting to instigate unrest or sabotage lawful government processes.

To substantiate their claims, the traditional rulers referenced the 1950 Gazette, alongside more than twenty historical documents which, according to them, recognize Eba Island as part of Ogun Waterside land.

They further cited existing lease agreements indicating that Ilaje individuals and families formally sought permission from Ijebu landowners to temporarily occupy portions of land within Ogun Waterside upon payment of isakole (ground rent). 

Among the documents mentioned were agreements involving Mrs. Victoria Talabi of Makun-Omi and Mr. Bode Orofin of Atijere, as well as a 1975 Iwe Adehun between the Edema family of Atijere and the Makun-Omi community.

The Ogun State Government has also reportedly presented lease agreements and survey documents supporting its territorial position. 

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government maintains that the oil deposit lies within its jurisdiction, cautioning against narratives capable of escalating interstate tensions without substantial and verifiable evidence.

Eyewitness Interview Session. Speaking directly at the briefing, the Chairman of the Ogun Waterside Council of Obas and the Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Ogunye, stated:

“Eba Island has always been part of Ogun Waterside from time immemorial. We have documentary evidence dating back to the 1950 Gazette and several other records to support this position. We are law-abiding traditional rulers, and we are confident that due process and the rule of law will prevail.”

He further explained that the call for increased security presence across the local government area was necessary to allow the law to take its full course against anyone attempting to cause mayhem or frustrate government efforts.

Also lending their voices during the press engagement were:

The Osobia of Makun-Omi, Oba Kazeem Adeshina, who reaffirmed that historical lease agreements clearly show that Ilaje settlers sought formal permission from Ijebu landowners before occupying portions of land.

The Alarige of Ibiade, Oba Bola Raimi, who emphasized that peace must not be sacrificed for economic interests, urging all parties to respect documented boundaries.

The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Hassan, who noted that community heritage and ancestral ownership cannot be rewritten by contemporary disputes.

Other royal fathers present included the Oloni of Oni, Oba Obikoya Abidakun; the Olisin of Ilusin, Oba Jimoh Mafe; and the Onirokun of Irokun Kingdom, Oba Buari Balogun, alongside key stakeholders from Ogun Waterside.

Also present at the gathering was the former Rector of Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Professor Bilesanmi Awoderu, who lent intellectual weight and support to the press conference. He described the briefing as timely and necessary, noting that it provided an avenue for factual clarification in response to what he termed fictitious claims emanating from counterparts in the neighbouring state.

Professor Awoderu stressed that historical documentation and lawful processes must guide public discourse, adding that transparent presentation of records remains the most credible way to address interstate disputes of such magnitude.

The monarchs and stakeholders collectively reiterated their commitment to peace, dialogue, and lawful resolution, while firmly insisting that historical boundaries, legitimate ownership, and community heritage must be respected in determining the status of Eba Island.

Reporter: Igboro Lawa Correspondent