In a move to douse rising tension and prevent a breakdown of law and order, the House of Representatives has waded into the boundary dispute involving the oil-rich Eba Island–Atijere area between Ilaje Local Council Area of Ondo State and neighbouring Ogun State.

The House, at its plenary session presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, yesterday, mandated its Committee on Special Duties to liaise with the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to urgently put measures in place to determine the official status of the disputed area.

The committee is to urgently engage the National Boundary Commission to determine and clarify the status of the Eba Island–Atijere area, with a view to restoring calm and ensuring lasting peace in the oil-rich communities.

The resolution followed the adoption of a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh, who represents Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Moving the motion, Kimikanboh drew the attention of the House to growing tension in the Eba Island–Atijere axis, warning that conflicting claims and misleading narratives could fuel unrest in the oil-producing communities if left unresolved.

The lawmaker noted that what is currently known as Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje Local Council Area of Ondo State existed long before the pre-colonial era and was originally referred to as Mahin Country, recalling that in 1885, the Paramount and Natural Ruler of the area, the Amapetu of Mahin, signed a treaty with British colonial authorities that incorporated the entire Mahin Country, including Atijere Island, into the colony of Lagos, where it was administered until the 1914 Amalgamation.

He further noted that Atijere and adjoining communities, such as Irokun, Igboedun, Eba, Obinneyin, Araromi Seaside, Mahintedo and Itebu-Elero, have remained under the paramount authority of the Amapetu of Mahin, a First Class and Grade A traditional ruler in Ondo State, since that historic treaty.

He also recalled that Atijere served as the administrative headquarters for surrounding satellite communities, including Eba, and hosted a native court as early as 1933. Vassal chiefs appointed over the years were said to have consistently been of Ilaje descent, reflecting the area’s historical ties to the former Ondo Province and present-day Ondo State.