Eba Island Oil Discovery: Ogun Reasserts Authority Over Island, Citing Legal and Historical Proof

The Ogun State government is standing firm on its claim to Eba Island in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, dismissing Ondo State's claims as misleading. This follows President Bola Tinubu's approval for drilling activities at an abandoned oil well on the island, sparking public debate.

Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, representing Ilaje Federal Constituency in Ondo State, had sparked the controversy with a motion on the issue. But Ogun State's special adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, says Eba Island is clearly within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

Akinmade cites the National Boundary Commission's (NBC) official maps and records, which place Eba Island in Ogun State. He notes that the community's status predates Nigeria's independence and has remained unchanged through various administrative reorganizations, including the 1976 state-creation exercise.

Eba Island has been part of Ogun Waterside since before Nigeria's independence, and official records confirm this. The Ogun State government is urging calm and advising against actions that could trigger communal tension.

The state government is standing by its territorial jurisdiction, emphasizing that boundaries are constitutionally defined and documented.

“Since 1976, there has been no constitutional amendment, judicial pronouncement or federal gazette that altered the boundary placing Eba outside Ogun State,” the statement said.

The government clarified that there are two distinct locations known as “Eba.” While one is located near the Ondo State forest reserve, the larger Eba Island—where the oil well approved by the President is situated—lies entirely within Ogun State’s coastal corridor.

Akinmade noted that the presidential approval for drilling followed extensive due diligence by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other relevant federal institutions, all of which confirmed that the oil well is located within Ogun State territory before clearance was granted.

He added that the deployment of national security assets, including naval formations around the drilling site, further demonstrates federal recognition of Ogun State as the host state.

Providing additional context, the statement disclosed that in October 2024, the Molokun of Atijere in Ondo State formally approached the Osobia of Makun-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, seeking permission to conduct business activities on Eba Island. The request was declined and subsequently reported to the Ogun State Government, NNPCL and security agencies.

According to the government, this engagement amounted to a tacit acknowledgment of Ogun State’s jurisdiction over the area.

On historical claims being circulated, the Ogun State Government described reliance on colonial documents from 1919 and 1920 as misleading, pointing instead to Colonial Government Gazette No. 660 of April 29, 1950, which clearly defined the boundary between the former Ijebu and Ondo Provinces and superseded earlier notices.

The government also cited lease agreements, historical community records, and survey documents—including the Olokola Free Trade Zone Survey Plan—as further evidence establishing that Eba Island is part of Ogun State.

Administrative validation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also referenced, with the polling unit at LA Primary School, Eba, officially registered under Makun/Irokun Ward in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State.

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.

While cautioning against the spread of misinformation and inflammatory narratives, the Ogun State government called for restraint and responsible engagement by all parties.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, peaceful coexistence and cooperation with the Federal Government in safeguarding national assets, adding that the people of Makun-Omi Kingdom have assured authorities of their readiness to maintain peace and protect lives and property.

“The facts are clear, and the law is settled. Eba Island where the approved oil well is located is in Ogun State.”