Ogun and Ondo states are locked in a dispute over the ownership of oil-rich Eba Island following presidential approval for commercial oil exploration in the area.
Ownership of the oil-rich Eba Island has pitched the Ogun and Ondo State governments against each other following the disclosure that President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil exploration in the area, Daily Trust reports. The island, which is said to border both states, has become the centre of controversy amid competing territorial claims.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed the presidential approval on penultimate Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, during a courtesy visit in Abeokuta. However, confusion arose shortly after the announcement due to conflicting statements regarding the actual location of the drilling operations, with references alternately made to Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area and Eba Island in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
The first controversy followed a statement attributed to Abiodun indicating that drilling would take place on Tongeji Island. “Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there,” the governor was quoted as saying. The statement has since fuelled tensions, as Eba Island is also being claimed by Ondo State, deepening the inter-state dispute.