Ogun govt refutes Ondo’s claim over Eba Island, warns against communal crisis

It emphasised that the island falls within Ogun State’s jurisdiction and cautioned against any attempt to stir communal tensions between the Ijebu and Ilaje people who have historically coexisted peacefully.

The controversy arose after the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore, issued a statement asserting that Oke-Agor-Isekun, where an abandoned oil well was discovered, belongs to Ondo State and not Ogun State.

In response, the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Energy, Jide Onakoya, described Ondo’s claim as misleading and contrary to established historical, traditional, and legal evidence.

It labelled the assertion as an affront to the Awujale of Ijebu Land and the Ijebu Traditional Council, reiterating that historical records and documented evidence confirm that the disputed area is within Ogun State.

Onakoya clarified that boundary delineations between local and state governments are based on markers recognised by the National Boundary Commission. He said a thorough examination of relevant maps affirms that Eba Island lies within Ogun Waterside in Ogun State.

Quoting a document from the Palace of Makun-Omi, the statement asserted: “…. It is indisputable that the oil well currently under investigation is located in Eba Island, which falls within Ogun Waterside in Ogun State.”

Furthermore, Ogun State condemned Ondo’s claim over Irokun, a community in Ogun Waterside, calling it a reckless attempt to incite conflict.

It emphasized that Irokun has been an Ijebu settlement since the colonial era, transitioning through the Western Region to Ogun State. The geographical boundary declarations along the Bight of Benin confirm Irokun and Araromi Seaside as part of Ogun State, with the Onirokun of Irokun being a recognized member of the Ijebu Traditional Council.