Ruth NWORIE
The leadership and people of Ilaje Mahin in Ondo State have clarified that Eba Island remains an integral part of Ilaje land, amid recent reports of oil discovery and emerging claims over the island’s ownership.
In a statement issued on February 19, 2026, in Igbokoda, the community maintained that Eba Island historically and administratively belongs to the Ilaje people of Ondo State and is inhabited and governed through the recognised traditional structures of Atijere Kingdom.
The statement, released on behalf of the Palace of the Amapetu of Mahin Land, stressed that the Ilaje people would not cede their land or God-given resources to any other state or group.
According to the community, the island falls under the traditional authority of the Amapetu of Mahin, the paramount ruler of Mahin land, and the Molokun of Atijere, who serve as the legitimate custodians of the territory.
It added that these traditional institutions represent the established governance framework through which access, engagement and community consent must be sought for any oil exploration or production activities.
While reaffirming support for oil exploration, the community emphasised that its people must be fully carried along in the process to ensure peace, equity and sustainable development.
“We welcome responsible investment and commend the Federal Government’s efforts to expand national oil production in line with economic development objectives,” the statement read.
The Ilaje leadership also expressed readiness to cooperate with duly authorised exploration companies operating within Eba Island but warned against actions capable of causing tension.
It noted that any misrepresentation of the island’s territorial identity is inaccurate and potentially destabilising, stressing that host community participation remains both a legal and moral requirement under Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act.
The community further cautioned that engagement without recognition of established traditional and community leadership structures could result in avoidable disputes and disorder.
The Ilaje people called on relevant federal authorities to address any boundary concerns through constitutionally recognised mechanisms, urging strict adherence to due process.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace and lawful engagement, the community pledged constructive partnership with government and investors, while urging all stakeholders to act with prudence, respect for history and compliance with existing legal frameworks.
The statement was signed by Dr. Prince Ola Judah Ajidibo Akinyomi for the Palace of the Amapetu of Mahin Land, on behalf of the Ilaje Mahin communities of Atijere Kingdom.
