ONDO-OGUN TANGLE: EBA ISLAND OIL ROW SPARKS BOUNDARY BITTERNESS
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE ownership of oil-rich Eba Island has sparked a heated dispute between Ogun and Ondo State governments, with both sides claiming territorial jurisdiction.
Key Issues:
– Ogun’s Claim : Ogun State asserts Eba Island falls within its Waterside LGA, citing constitutional boundaries and National Boundary Commission records.
– Ondo’s Counter : Ondo State insists Eba Island is part of Atijere, with historical ties dating back to 1937 and colonial-era documents.
– Oil Exploration : President Bola Tinubu approved commercial oil drilling on Eba Island, sparking the controversy.
– Boundary Dispute : The states disagree on the location of the oil well, with Ogun citing surveys and Ondo citing historical records.
– Tension Escalates : Both states warn against stoking communal tension, with Ogun accusing Ondo of misleading claims.
_”Eba Island formed part of Ilaje/Mahin Country in the defunct Lagos Colony… and was designated a forestry reserve under the Atijere Native Authority.”_ – Allen Sowore, Ondo State Govt.
_”The oil well is located within Ogun State territory, confirmed by NNPCL and federal institutions.”_ – Kayode Akinmade, Ogun State Govt.
Akinmade said that following the discovery of hydrocarbon prospects in the coastal corridor, the Ogun State Government conducted independent verification of the well coordinates using geospatial and cartographic technology, which confirmed that the wells are located within Ogun State boundaries.
He added that Ogun State has worked closely with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and NNPCL in securing the asset and preparing it for commercial exploration, including facilitating the establishment of naval security infrastructure in the area.
The Ondo-born Akinmade cautioned his state against the “spread of misinformation and inflammatory narratives.”
The Ogun Government called for restraint and responsible engagement by all parties.
“The facts are clear and the law is settled. Eba Island where the approved oil well is located is in Ogun State,” the statement concluded.
SOURCE==DAILY TRUST ==EXCEPT THE HEADLINE AND INTRO PLUS A FEW PARAGRAPHS
About the Author
