Traditional rulers and stakeholders from Ogun Waterside Local Government Area have raised serious concerns over a 14-day ultimatum allegedly issued by suspected Ilaje ex-militant leaders, threatening to attack major sources of Nigeria’s economy if a newly discovered oil well on Eba Island is not ceded to Ondo State.

Speaking on behalf of the group, former Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Segun Awonusi, said all due processes had been followed by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other relevant government agencies before approving oil exploration on Eba Island, which he maintained lies within Ogun State.
According to him, some individuals from neighbouring Atijere community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State are making what he described as spurious territorial claims to the island, despite clear documentary evidence to the contrary.

Prof. Awonusi stated that existing lease agreements, historical community records, and survey documents—including those from the Olokola Free Trade Zone—clearly establish Eba Island as part of Ogun State.
He further noted that Independent National Electoral Commission has, over the years, recognised Eba Island administratively by registering a polling unit at Local Government Primary School, Eba, under Makun/Irokun Ward of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. He added that the Ogun State Government has consistently maintained Eba Primary School and paid staff salaries and emoluments.

“It is deeply troubling that, in spite of overwhelming empirical evidence and official recognition by appropriate government agencies, our Ilaje neighbours have embarked on a campaign of calumny and misinformation,” Awonusi said.
“The latest threat by so-called ex-militant generals to attack major economic assets of the country if the oil well is not ceded to Ondo State within 14 days is an affront to our collective sensibilities and a direct threat to national security.”
He called on security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to forestall any attempt to destabilise the country or disrupt economic activities.

Prof. Awonusi also faulted a recent motion sponsored in the House of Representatives by Hon. Donald Ojogo, representing Ilaje Federal Constituency, describing it as incorrect, misleading, and capable of igniting communal conflict between the Ijebu and Ilaje peoples, who have coexisted peacefully for decades.
He stressed that there are two distinct Eba Islands: a larger Eba Island located in Ogun State and a smaller one near the Ondo State forest reserve boundary.

“The oil well recently approved for commercial drilling by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after due diligence by relevant authorities, is located on the Eba Island clearly within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State,” he said.
Awonusi reminded Ondo State authorities that state and local government boundaries in Nigeria are clearly delineated and documented by the National Boundary Commission, which is constitutionally empowered to manage such matters.

He also cited existing lease agreements in which Ilaje individuals and families formally sought and obtained permission from Ijebu landowners to use portions of land in Ogun Waterside on a temporary basis, upon payment of isakole (ground rent). These include agreements involving Mrs. Victoria Talabi of Makun Omi and Mr. Bode Orofin of Atijere, as well as a 1975 Iwe Adehun between the Edema family of Atijere and Makun Omi community.

Recall that the Federal Government recently approved the commencement of oil exploitation on Eba Island following presidential authorisation for commercial drilling. The island, located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, is expected to boost Nigeria’s oil production and contribute significantly to the national economy.

The island, located i the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, is expected to boost Nigeria’s oil production and contribute to the country’s economy.

The Ogun State government has, however, provided evidence, including lease agreements and survey documents, to support its claim. On the other hand, Ondo State argues that the oil deposit is located within its domain and warns against misleading narratives that could inflame interstate tension without any substantial
evidence.

He emphasized that the current misguided attempt by a few characters in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State, particularly the desperation of Molokun of Atijere to brazenly engage in territorial expansion, can only ignite communal crises in communities which have co-existed peacefully for decades, is quite unfortunate.

Also, speaking at the event, Chairman, Ogun Waterside Council of Obas. The
Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Ogunye, explained that the clamour for security beef-up around the local government is for the law to take its course on whoever wants to cause mayhem and sabotage the government’s efforts.
More than 7 traditional rulers were present at the event, among them are the Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Ogunye, Osobia of Makun Omi, Oba Kazeem Adeshina, Alarige of Ibiade, Oba Bola Raimi, Lenuwa of Ode- omi ,Oba Folailu Hassan, Oloni of Oni, Oba Obikoya Abidakun, Olisin of Ilusin, Oba Jimoh Mafe and the Onirokun of Irokun Kingdom, Oba Buari Balogun, among others, stakeholders from Ogun Waterside.