By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Traditional rulers from the Ilaje communities in Ondo State have firmly rejected claims by Ogun State authorities that Eba Island falls within Ogun territory, insisting the oil‑rich territory belongs to Ilaje land in Ondo. This position was publicly asserted on Thursday, March 12, 2026, amid escalating disputes over custodianship following recent federal approval for commercial oil exploration in the area.
The Ilaje monarchs say Eba Island is historically part of Ilaje Local Government Area, citing ancestral settlement patterns and traditional authority predating competing claims. They described Ogun’s position as an encroachment on Ondo’s territorial integrity and urged both state and federal authorities to respect documented history and customary ownership as the dispute unfolds.
The conflict intensified after oil discoveries at Eba Island drew administrative attention, with both Ogun Waterside traditional leaders and Ondo’s Ilaje community groups asserting ownership. The Federal House of Representatives has already called for peace and an impartial investigation to forestall any breakdown of law and order over the boundary dispute.
This clash reflects long‑standing boundary tensions between the two states, now sharpened by competing claims to natural resource rights and local heritage.
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