The Oba and community leaders of Ogun Waterside have reaffirmed that no portion of their land will be ceded to Ondo State, declaring that Eba Island remains an integral part of Ogun territory amid the ongoing dispute over oil exploration rights.
Speaking at a press conference held in Abeokuta, traditional rulers and elders insisted that historical, legal, and documented records clearly establish Ogun Waterside’s ownership of the oil-rich island.
The monarchs stated that Eba Island — recently approved by the Federal Government for commercial oil exploitation following presidential authorization — is located within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and is expected to boost Nigeria’s oil production and contribute significantly to the national economy.
They strongly condemned alleged threats reportedly linked to Ilaje groups, describing such actions as unacceptable and capable of disrupting peace in the area. The leaders called on security agencies to protect lives and property while ensuring that anyone attempting to cause unrest is apprehended.
Backing their claims, the traditional rulers cited the 1950 Gazette, alongside more than twenty historical documents recognizing Eba Island as part of Ogun Waterside land.
They also referenced existing lease agreements showing 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). These include 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 equally presented lease agreements and survey documents to support its territorial position. However, the Ondo State Government maintains that the oil deposit lies within its domain, cautioning against narratives capable of inflaming interstate tension without substantial evidence.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Ogun Waterside Council of Obas and the Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Ogunye, explained that the call for increased security presence across the local government area was necessary to allow the law take its full course against anyone attempting to cause mayhem or sabotage government efforts.
More than seven traditional rulers attended the press conference, including the Osobia of Makun-Omi, Oba Kazeem Adeshina; the Alarige of Ibiade, Oba Bola Raimi; the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Hassan; the Oloni of Oni, Oba Obikoya Abidakun; the Olisin of Ilusin, Oba Jimoh Mafe; and the Onirokun of Irokun Kingdom, Oba Buari Balogun, alongside other stakeholders from Ogun Waterside.
The monarchs concluded by reiterating their commitment to peace while insisting that historical boundaries, lawful ownership, and community heritage must be respected.
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