Eba Island Oil Dispute: Atijere monarch threatens protest over exclusion from talks
….Insists Island Belongs to Ondo, Warns Ogun Against Politicising Ownership Claims
By Dayo Johnson
AKURE — The Molokun of Atijere Kingdom in the oil-rich Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Samuel Adeoye Edema, has threatened peaceful protests over the alleged exclusion of his community from discussions and benefits arising from oil exploration activities on Eba Island.
The monarch also reaffirmed that Eba Island belongs to Ondo State, rejecting ownership claims by neighbouring Ogun State.
Speaking on the lingering dispute, Oba Adeoye said the controversy over the island only surfaced after the discovery of oil deposits, noting that the territory had existed for decades without any ownership disagreement.
According to him, Eba Island has always been part of Ondo State’s forest reserve and has long been inhabited by communities with historical ties to Atijere Kingdom.
“The ownership controversy only emerged after the discovery of oil. The territory had existed peacefully for decades without any dispute. That place has always been part of Ondo State’s forest reserve,” he said.
The monarch explained that communities such as Ago Alaja and Ago Balogun, which fall under Atijere Kingdom, have occupied the area for generations, maintaining strong ancestral and cultural links to the land despite migration by some residents to Igbokoda.
Oba Adeoye argued that communities under his kingdom are directly affected by developments on the island and should therefore be recognised as key stakeholders in all decisions relating to oil exploration and related projects.
“What we want is for our rights to be respected. We must be recognised as part of the oil-producing community. If any activity is to take place there, those involved must come to Atijere and engage with us,” he said.
The traditional ruler warned that residents of Atijere Kingdom would not hesitate to mobilise for peaceful protests if they continue to be sidelined.
“We will mobilise. We will occupy the place if necessary. We are defending our land. It is our constitutional right to protest, and we have the capacity to do so,” he declared.
Oba Adeoye accused project handlers of consulting only a few neighbouring communities while excluding Atijere Kingdom from critical discussions concerning the island.
He also faulted Ogun State’s claim to the territory, insisting that no state can legitimately claim ownership until the National Boundary Commission (NBC) concludes its determination of the boundary between the two states.
“Nobody has ceded that place to Ogun State. It is the responsibility of the National Boundary Commission to determine the boundary between Ondo and Ogun states,” he said.
The monarch urged the Ogun State Government to refrain from politicising the dispute or taking actions capable of escalating tensions.
While acknowledging that the NBC is aware of the matter, he expressed concern over the slow pace of efforts to resolve the dispute.
According to him, previous attempts to convene meetings involving stakeholders from both states have yet to produce a lasting solution.
Oba Adeoye also cited electoral activities previously conducted in the disputed communities as evidence of Ondo State’s administrative presence in the area.
He called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and contractors operating in the area to carry all adjoining communities along in discussions and development plans.
The monarch further cautioned prospective investors against purchasing land on Eba Island pending the final determination of the boundary dispute by the National Boundary Commission.
He stressed that all affected kingdoms and communities must be involved in discussions relating to land transactions, development projects and oil-related activities until the matter is conclusively resolved.
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