Eba Island belongs to Ondo, we’ll defend territorial integrity, says Ajulo
The Ondo State government has reiterated that the disputed Eba Island belongs to the state, declaring it will firmly defend its “territorial integrity” against any competing claims. The state Attorney-General
- ...cites historical records, maps, treaties point to Ondo; warns Ogun against claims
The Ondo State government has reiterated that the disputed Eba Island belongs to the state, declaring it will firmly defend its "territorial integrity" against any competing claims.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), said historical records, administrative documents, and geographical evidence clearly establish that the oil-rich island falls in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Ajulo spoke on Thursday in Akure while reacting to renewed claims by the Ogun State government over the island's ownership.
Recall that ownership of the oil-rich Eba Island had divided the neighbouring Ogun and Ondo State governments apart.
The controversy followed the recent disclosure of President Bola Tinubu’s approval for commercial oil exploration to commence at the island, which reportedly borders both states.
But the Attorney-General described the controversy as surprising, noting that decades of official recognition have consistently placed the territory under Ondo State.
According to him, successive administrations, official maps, and government records have long recognised Eba Island as part of Ondo State.
"Ogun’s assertions risk generating communal conflicts and undermining the peace along our shared coastline. Ondo State will defend its territorial integrity with every lawful weapon in the courts, before the National Boundary Commission, and in the court of public opinion," Ajulo said.
The Attorney-General said he undertook a personal investigation in the United Kingdom to verify historical records concerning the island’s ownership.
He said, "I speak as one who has served Ondo State with distinction and has seen firsthand the recognition of Eba Island as part of our territory.
"The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and other federal agencies visited the island on multiple occasions and, without equivocation, recognised it as belonging to Ondo State. Yet, today, Ogun State lays claim to it. What has changed?
"I undertook a solo forensic study in the United Kingdom, consulting the British Library, the National Archives at Kew, and other repositories of colonial records. I examined original treaties, maps, intelligence sketches, cadastral surveys, and gazette notices. Each document confirmed that Eba Island is an integral part of Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State."
Ajulo traced the island’s historical trajectory, explaining that before Nigeria's 1914 amalgamation, Eba Island formed part of the Ilaje/Mahin territory within the Lagos Colony.
He noted that in 1885, the Amapetu of Mahin signed a protection treaty with colonial authorities, bringing the Mahin Kingdom, including Atijere and Eba Island, under the Lagos Colony.
According to him, following the amalgamation, the island became part of Ondo Province, specifically under the Okitipupa Division, and was designated a forestry reserve under the Atijere Native Authority.
He added that by 1933, Atijere had become the administrative headquarters of the district, hosting the Native Court that exercised authority over the area, including Eba Island.
Ajulo further said the island was later incorporated into the Ilaje District Council in 1950 and has remained within the Ilaje Local Government Area through subsequent administrative reforms.
He also emphasised the long-standing human and administrative ties between the island and Ilaje communities.
"Eba Island fell squarely under the authority of the Atijere Native Court. By 1950, it was incorporated into the Ilaje District Council, with Atijere as its headquarters. Through all subsequent local government reforms, including the creation of Ilaje/Ese-Odo in 1975 and the carving out of Ese-Odo in 1997, Eba Island remained and continues to remain part of Ilaje Local Government Area.
"Generations of Ilaje indigenes have lived, fished, farmed, and worshipped on Eba Island. They have never once paid allegiance or royalties to Ogun State authorities. River Ufara serves as the natural and eternal boundary between Ilaje land and Ijebu territory. The facts speak for themselves," he said.
Ajulo explained that although mineral resources belong to the Federal Government under Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, derivation benefits and host community rights are determined by territorial location.
"Ownership cannot be established through press releases or opportunistic assertions. It is anchored on historical title, continuous administration, and customary law.
"No gazette, court ruling, or boundary adjustment has transferred Eba Island to Ogun State," he added.
He called for calm, urging that the dispute be resolved constitutionally.
"Let there be no shadow of doubt: Eba Island is Ondo State’s yesterday, today, and forever." The oil beneath it is a divine endowment for the people of Ilaje and for the development of our state,” Ajulo said.
