Eba Island: Aiyedatiwa’s Aide aligns with Mahinland monarch, lawmaker, solicits Tinubu’s intervention to avert crisis

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State (Lucky Aiyedatiwa) on Oil and Gas, Hon. Samson Job Obazuaye, has aligned with The Amapetu of Mahinland and the member representing Ilaje Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, regarding the ownership of Eba Island, stressing that Eba Island is historically, geographically and administratively part of Ilaje land in Ondo State.
 
Hon.  Obazuaye, who recently undertook working visit to Eba Island, told newsmen Friday February 20, that the statement credited to Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, regarding the geographical location of Eba Island, is totally untrue.

The Governor’s Aide, asserted that Hon. Akinmade’s claim, is misrepresentation of the Island’s territorial identity, inaccurate and capable of causing avoidable unrest between the Ilaje people of Ondo State, boundary community in Ogun State as well as the Ondo and Ogun state Governments.

While appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all boundary matters are addressed, through constitutionally recognized mechanisms, Hon.  Obazuaye, emphasized that the recent reports of oil discovery and emerging claims, regarding state ownership, does not change the territorial status of Eba Island.

He commended Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, for sponsoring a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives, to clarify ownership of Eba Island, noting: “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.”

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