House Of Reps Probes Ownership Dispute Of Oil-Rich Eba Island Between Ogun, Ondo Communities
House Of Reps Probes Ownership Dispute Of Oil-Rich Eba Island Between Ogun, Ondo Communities
The development has intensified longstanding boundary and ownership disagreements between neighboring communities, turning what was once a localised historical claim into a matter of national economic and political interest.
The House of Representatives is set to launch a formal investigation into the ownership of the oil-rich Eba Island in Nigeria’s coastal corridor between Ogun and Ondo states.
This is as lawmakers move to resolve a growing territorial dispute that has implications for crude oil exploration and host community status.
The probe is expected to be conducted by relevant House committees following a petition submitted by the Ode-Omi Kingdom in Ogun State, which is urging the National Assembly to make a definitive pronouncement on the jurisdiction and rightful ownership of the island.
Lawmakers are also expected to assess competing claims and prevent potential escalation of tensions in the coastal area.
The petition, submitted by Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan and representatives of the Ode-Omi people, was copied to Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, and Hon. Adegbesan of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
It seeks formal recognition of Ode-Omi as the rightful host community and jurisdictional authority over Eba Island, also known as Eba Ebute Olokun.
The development comes as the House prepares to exercise its oversight powers over petroleum-related matters in the region, particularly following approval for crude oil exploration activities in the area, which has intensified longstanding boundary disagreements between neighbouring communities.
Eba Island sits within a contested coastal corridor that has gained renewed attention following federal approval for crude oil exploration activities.
The development has intensified longstanding boundary and ownership disagreements between neighboring communities, turning what was once a localised historical claim into a matter of national economic and political interest.
At the centre of the petition is the assertion that Eba Island falls under the jurisdiction of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, and more specifically under the traditional authority of the Ode-Omi Kingdom.
The petitioners insist that their claim is rooted in ancestral occupation, customary governance structures, and documented administrative recognition.
According to Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan and the Ode-Omi leadership, Eba Island has, “from time immemorial,” been under the control of Ode-Omi, with multiple ruling houses maintaining historical ties to the area.
They argue that traditional authority over the island has long been exercised through the appointment of local chiefs and recognition of community structures linked to Ode-Omi’s traditional institution.
The dispute gained urgency following a motion introduced by Hon. Adegbesan, which triggered a broader legislative and administrative inquiry into the true ownership and status of the island.
The matter has since been escalated to relevant House committees, as lawmakers seek to clarify jurisdiction ahead of increased oil exploration activity in the area.
The petitioners also relied on historical and institutional documents to strengthen their case. They cited a 2017 report attributed to the Ijebu Traditional Council, which allegedly affirmed the authority of the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi over Eba settlements, including Eba Island.
Further supporting their claim, the petition referenced colonial-era records, academic research, and government-linked development frameworks, including the Olokola Free Trade Zone project, which they argue has previously recognised Ode-Omi as the host community in the coastal axis where Eba Island is located.
One of the most detailed sections of the petition outlines geographic boundaries and administrative landmarks. It states:
“Ogun State Government recognised Ode-Omi as host community in the Olokola Free Trade Zone project (OKFTZ) situate along the coastal area which also covers Eba Ebute Olokun (aka Eba island) and Ode-Omi only shares boundary with Irokun Community along that coastal line in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos State. Ode-Omi also shares a boundary with Imakun Omi, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State along the Alape River about seven (7) miles to Eba Ebute Olokun (aka Eba Island).”
The petition further recalled historical administrative processes, including consultations during the tenure of former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel. It noted that a traditional inquiry panel was convened under the authority of the late Awujale of Ijebu Ode, Oba S. K. Adetona, to examine development issues around Ode-Omi and the role of the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi.
That panel, according to the petitioners, reportedly affirmed Ode-Omi as host community to the Olokola Free Trade Zone project.
Despite these assertions, the claim to Eba Island is being strongly contested by the Atijere Community in neighbouring Ondo State, particularly within Ilaje Local Government Area.
The Atijere traditional leadership maintains that the island falls within their ancestral and administrative domain and should be recognised as a host community for the emerging oil operations.
The Ode-Omi Kingdom, however, has dismissed the opposing claim, describing it as “false and misleading,” and insisting it lacks both historical grounding and legal or geographical justification.
Beyond asserting ownership, the petitioners are also urging the House of Representatives to take decisive legislative steps.
The petition is expected to be reviewed by the House Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Special Duties as part of a broader legislative inquiry into the ownership and governance of oil-bearing coastal territories.
