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 Government Area of Ondo State and neighbouring Ogun State.
The House, at plenary on Wednesday presided over by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, 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.
Specifically, the committee was directed to 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 Hon. 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 the 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 presently known as the Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State existed long before the pre-colonial era and was originally referred to as Mahin Country.
He recalled 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.
Kimikanboh also recalled that Atijere served as the administrative headquarters of surrounding satellite communities, including Eba, and hosted a Native Court as far back as 1933.
He said vassal chiefs appointed over the years have consistently been of Ilaje descent, reflecting the area’s historical ties to the former Ondo Province and present-day Ondo State.
Stating that all major infrastructure in the area, roads, hospitals, schools and other social amenities, have historically been provided by successive governments of Ondo Province and later Ondo State, he stressed that Eba Island falls squarely within Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as confirmed by nationally and internationally recognised geographic mapping systems.
He maintained that the oil field located in Ago Balogun Community, popularly known as the Eba Oil Field, is customarily, historically, and traditionally governed under the Atijere Kingdom, with the original inhabitants identified as Ilaje people.
The lawmaker observed that despite the absence of any legal instrument, court judgment, National Boundary Commission determination or constitutional provision designating Eba Island or the Eba Oil Field as part of Ogun State, some media reports have distorted historical facts by suggesting otherwise.
According to him, such claims have heightened tension in the area and pose a threat to peace and security.
The Guardian
