Ogun Vs Ondo :The Battle Line Over Oil Well

The Ogun State Government has strongly refuted Ondo State’s assertion of ownership over Eba Island, where an oil well is currently under investigation. It reaffirmed that the island falls within Ogun State’s jurisdiction and cautioned against actions that could disrupt the long-standing peaceful coexistence between the Ijebu and Ilaje communities.

The dispute escalated following a statement by Allen Sowore, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Strategic Communication, claiming that Oke-Agor-Isekun—where the abandoned oil well was discovered—belongs to Ondo State.

In response, Ogun State’s Special Adviser on Energy, Mr. Jide Onakoya, described Ondo’s claim as misleading and inconsistent with historical, traditional, and legal records. He emphasized that the assertion was not only baseless but also an affront to the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Ijebu Traditional Council. According to him, established historical documents and official records confirm that Eba Island is within Ogun Waterside, Ogun State.

Onakoya further clarified that boundary delineations between states are determined by recognized markers set by the National Boundary Commission. A thorough examination of official maps, he said, clearly confirms Eba Island’s location within Ogun State.

Quoting a document from the Palace of Makun-Omi, he stated:

“It is INDISPUTABLE that the oil well currently under investigation is located in Eba Island, which falls within Ogun Waterside in Ogun State.”

The Ogun State Government also denounced Ondo’s claim over Irokun, a community in Ogun Waterside, calling it a reckless attempt to stir unrest. It maintained that Irokun has historically been an Ijebu settlement since the colonial era, having transitioned through the Western Region before becoming part of Ogun State. The official boundary declarations along the Bight of Benin, the statement added, confirm that both Irokun and Araromi Seaside belong to Ogun State, with the Onirokun of Irokun recognized as a member of the Ijebu Traditional Council.

Addressing the origins of the controversy, Ogun State accused Oba Samuel Edema, the Molokun of Atijere in Ondo State, of instigating the dispute. It revealed that in October 2024, Oba Edema had approached Oba Kazeem Adesina Salami, the Osobia of Makun-Omi, seeking permission for a business venture on Eba Island. However, the Osobia of Makun-Omi lawfully declined the request and promptly reported the matter to the Governor of Ogun State, who escalated it to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ,NNPC, and security agencies.

Following this, NNPC officials and law enforcement agencies conducted due diligence in the area. Ogun State asserted that Ondo’s response to this legitimate action led to a misleading communiqué from the Ilaje Traditional Council, further inflaming tensions.

The Ogun State Government condemned any attempt at territorial expansion, as well as the misuse of colonial-era documents to justify claims that contradict Nigeria’s constitutional framework. It cited Colonial Government Gazette No. 660, dated April 29, 1950, which clearly defines the boundary between the Ijebu and Ondo provinces. This, it stated, overrides earlier documents such as Government Notices No. 69 of 1919 and No. 114 of 1920. The Gazette, signed by Acting Chief Secretary to the Colonial Government, H.F. Marshall, conclusively affirms Ogun State’s ownership of the disputed area.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability, the Ogun State Government urged all stakeholders to respect legal boundaries and avoid actions that could trigger unnecessary conflict.