The House of Representatives has mandated the National Boundary Commission to take urgent steps to determine and clarify the official status of the disputed oil rich Eba Island-Atijere located along the boundary between Ilaje local government area of Ondo state and Ogun state.
The advice was given following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo) at the Wednesday’s plenary.
While presenting the motion, Ojogo noted that the area, historically known as part of the Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje LGA of Ondo State, predates colonial administration and has long been associated with the Ilaje people.
He argued that Eba Island has for decades been administered under the Atijere Forest Reserve by the Ondo State Government without any formal protest, legal challenge, or counterclaim from Ogun State.
The lawmaker also noted that the Ago Balogun Community, where the Eba Oil Field is located, falls customarily, historically, and traditionally under the Atijere Kingdom in Ilaje LGA.
He further emphasised that the original inhabitants of Eba Island are Ilaje, a sub-ethnic group of the Yoruba race, a fact reinforced by historical and traditional governance structures in the area.
According to him, despite the absence of any legal instrument, court judgment, constitutional provision, or determination by the National Boundary Commission, certain media publications and public opinions have allegedly distorted historical facts by suggesting that Eba Island and the Eba Oil Field belong to Ogun State.
He warned that these claims have fueled avoidable tension in the area, creating a situation capable of escalating into a breakdown of law and order if not urgently addressed.
The motion was unanimously adopted.
