Citizenship News
The House of Representatives has raised serious concerns over growing tension and the risk of a breakdown of law and order on Mile OI Rich Eba Island–Atijere, located along the boundary between Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and Ogun State.
The House resolution followed adoption of a motion by Hon. Okogo Donald Kimikanboh (Ondo APC) who 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.
According to him, 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.
Lawmakers 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.
The House further emphasized 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.
However, lawmakers expressed deep concern that 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.
The House 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.
In its resolution, the House mandated its Committee on Special Duties to immediately engage the National Boundary Commission, urging it to take urgent steps to determine and clarify the official status of the disputed area in the interest of peace, stability, and national cohesion.
Ends
