Traditional rulers and community leaders from Ogun Waterside Local Government Area have reaffirmed that Eba Island remains part of Ogun State, presenting historical records and legal documents to back their claim amid the ongoing territorial and oil exploration dispute with Ondo State.
At a press conference in Abeokuta, the monarchs insisted that no portion of their ancestral land would be ceded, stressing that Eba Island historically and administratively falls within Ogun Waterside.
The briefing followed heightened debates over the oil-bearing island after the Federal Government recently approved it for commercial oil exploitation — a development expected to boost Nigeria’s crude oil output and generate economic benefits.
The traditional rulers explained that their position is backed by documented evidence, including the 1950 Gazette and more than twenty historical records that, according to them, clearly place the island within Ogun territory.
They also referenced old lease agreements showing that settlers from Ilaje communities sought formal permission from Ijebu landowners before occupying portions of land in the area and paid isakole (ground rent).
Speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Ogun Waterside Council of Obas and the Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Ogunye, stated that the island’s ownership is well documented and should not be subject to political or economic contest.
According to him, historical records, including the gazette and other archival materials, demonstrate that Eba Island has always been part of Ogun Waterside. He added that the monarchs remain confident that due process and the rule of law would ultimately determine the matter.
The royal fathers also raised concerns over alleged threats reportedly linked to Ilaje groups, warning that such actions could destabilize the region.
They called on security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property and to prevent any attempt to disrupt peace in the area as discussions around the oil exploration intensify.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Osobia of Makun-Omi, Oba Kazeem Adeshina, maintained that documented lease agreements clearly show that settlers from neighbouring communities obtained permission from Ijebu landowners before occupying certain parts of Ogun Waterside land.
Similarly, the Alarige of Ibiade, Oba Bola Raimi, stressed that economic interests must not override peace and historical truth, urging all parties to respect established boundaries and avoid narratives capable of escalating tensions.
The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Hassan, also noted that ancestral ownership and community heritage cannot be altered by contemporary disputes.
Other traditional rulers 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 community leaders and stakeholders from across Ogun Waterside.
Providing academic perspective during the engagement, former Rector of Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Professor Bilesanmi Awoderu, described the briefing as timely.
He said the presentation of historical records was important in addressing what he called misleading narratives emerging from neighbouring communities and emphasized that transparent documentation should guide any resolution process.
While the Ogun monarchs maintain that the island belongs to their territory, the government of Ondo State has continued to assert that the oil deposit falls within its jurisdiction, cautioning against claims that could heighten interstate tensions without verifiable evidence.
Despite the disagreement, the traditional rulers reiterated their commitment to peaceful dialogue and lawful resolution, insisting that historical boundaries, legal documentation, and community heritage must ultimately guide the final determination of the Eba Island dispute.
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