… _insists Eba Island belongs to Ilaje_

Ondo State Aiyedatiwa has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the lingering boundary dispute between Ondo State and Ogun State, declaring that Eba Island remains historically, geographically, and administratively part of Ilaje territory.

Aiyedatiwa, who spoke through the Senior Special Assistant on Oil and Gas, Samson Job Obazuaye, also dismissed claims that the island belongs to Ogun as “false, misleading, and capable of generating avoidable tension” among neighbouring communities.

Speaking with newsmen after a working visit to the riverine community on Friday, Obazuaye said the ownership narrative being pushed from across the boundary contradicts historical records and long-standing administrative control.

He specifically aligned the state government’s stance with that of the traditional authority of Ilaje, led by the Amapetu of Mahinland, Dr. Prince Ola Judah Ajidibo Akinyomi, and the lawmaker representing the constituency at the National Assembly, Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo.

According to him, the island has for decades been inhabited and governed by Ilaje indigenes through recognised traditional and community institutions, particularly the Atijere structures.

“Eba Island is historically and administratively part of Ilaje land in Ondo State. The island is inhabited by Ilaje people and has long been administered through recognised traditional and community structures,” Obazuaye said.

Oba Akinyomi had earlier maintained that recent reports of oil discovery around the coastal axis should not be used to distort established territorial boundaries, noting that host community participation remains both a legal and moral requirement under the Petroleum Industry Act.

However, Obazuaye stressed that the island had always been populated and managed by Ilaje indigenes through recognized traditional and community institutions.

“Eba Island is historically and administratively part of Ilaje land in Ondo State. The island is inhabited by Ilaje people and has long been administered through the recognized traditional and community structures of Atijere,” the governor’s senior aide added.

However, Obazuaye warned that attempts to sideline traditional custodians in exploration or development activities could spark unrest.

According to him, the Ilaje community operates under the traditional authority of the Amapetu of Mahin and the Molokun of Atijere, who serve as custodians of the land and must be engaged in any exploration or development activities.

He further noted that the recent reports of oil discovery and emerging ownership claims should not be used to alter established boundaries.

While welcoming responsible investment and the federal Government’s push to boost crude oil production, he stressed that due process and respect for local leadership must guide all engagements.

“We welcome responsible investment and commend the Federal Government’s efforts to expand national oil production in line with economic development objectives. We also express our readiness to cooperate with duly authorized exploration companies operating within Eba Island.

“Engagement without recognition of established traditional and community leadership structures risks avoidable tension and disorder,” he said.

He, however, affirmed that Ilaje people remain committed to peaceful coexistence and constructive partnership with both government and investors, urging all stakeholders to respect history, law, and traditional institutions in matters concerning Eba Island. (The Nation)

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