Ogun, Ondo Clash Over Oil Territory
A fresh dispute has erupted between Ogun and Ondo states over the ownership of the oil-bearing Eba Island, where commercial drilling was recently approved.
Traditional rulers and community leaders from Ogun Waterside Local Government insist the larger island hosting the oil field lies within Ogun’s territory.
Speaking in Abeokuta, former Tai Solarin University Vice Chancellor Segun Awonusi and Oba Segun Ogunye of Abigi dismissed claims from Ilaje Local Government in Ondo, warning that such assertions could spark tension between neighbouring communities.
They argued that historical records, survey plans and lease documents place the island firmly under Ogun State.
Ogun leaders also cited electoral records and boundary documents, including a 1950 colonial gazette, as proof of their claim.
They urged security agencies to address threats allegedly issued by some groups and called for calm to avoid unrest.
However, the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission maintained that Eba Island forms part of Atijere Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government.
The commission said long-standing administrative control and traditional authority structures back Ondo’s position, urging that any boundary dispute be resolved through constitutional channels to preserve peace and investor confidence.
