Eba Island, is part of Ilaje land, any misrepresentation is potentially destabilizing - Amapetu of Mahinland

The Palace of the Amapetu of Mahinland in Ondo State, says Eba Island is historically and administratively part of Ilaje land in Ondo State, adding that any misrepresentation of the Island’s territorial identity, is inaccurate and potentially destabilizing.

The Amapetu of Mahinland, in a press statement released Thursday February 19, through Dr. Prince Ola Judah Ajidibo Akinyomi, called on relevant federal authorities to ensure that all boundary matters are addressed, through constitutionally recognized mechanisms.

Whilst pledging to support oil exploration in the community, so long as Ilaje people are carried along “for the sake of peace and equity” the Amapetu of Mahinland, vowed that they will not cede their land and God-given resources to anyone else.

According to him, the Island is inhabited by Ilaje people and has long been administered through the recognized traditional and community structures of Atijere.

He noted that host community participation is a legal and moral requirement, under Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act, stressing that the recent reports of oil discovery and emerging claims regarding state ownership, does not change the territorial status of Eba Island.

“Eba Island is historically and administratively part of Ilaje land in Ondo State. The Island is inhabited by Ilaje people and has long been administered through the recognized traditional and community structures of Atijere.

“The Ilaje community, under the traditional authority of the Amapetu of Mahin, the paramount ruler of Mahinland, and the Molokun of Atijere, constitutes the legitimate indigenous custodians of the Island. These institutions represent the established traditional governance framework through which access, engagement, and community consent must be obtained for any exploration or production activities.

“We welcome responsible investment and commend the Federal Government’s efforts to expand national oil production in-line with economic development objectives. We also express our readiness to cooperate with duly authorized exploration companies operating within Eba Island.

“Engagement without recognition of established traditional and community leadership structures, risks avoidable tension and disorder.

“The Ilaje people remain committed to peace, lawful engagement, and constructive partnership with government and investors. We trust that all stakeholders will act with prudence, respect for history, and adherence to established legal frameworks”, the statement, emphasized.

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