Reps seek FG’s intervention over oil-rich community rift between Ondo, Ogun

The House of Representatives on Wednesday underscored the need for federal government intervention to curb rising tensions and prevent a breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich Mile Eba Island-Atijere area along the boundary between Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and Ogun State.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Donald Ojogo.

In his lead debate, Hon. Ojogo explained that “what is now known as Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State was initially christened the Mahin country and it has existed even prior to pre-colonial days.

ALSO READ: Reps: Tinubu mulls bill to empower High Court to prosecute terrorism, others

“The House notes further that Eba Island has, for decades, been administered as part of the Atijere Forest Reserve under Ondo Stale Government authority without any formal protest or legal challenge from Ogun State; and that the location of of the Oil Field (Ago Balogun Community) otherwise known as The Eba Oil Field falls within Ago Balogun Community, customarily, historically and traditionally governed under Atijere Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State which further reinforces the fact that the original inhabitants of Eba Island are the Ilaje sub ethnic group of the Yoruba race.

“The House is worried therefore, that even without any Legal Instrument in, no judgment of any competent court, no National Boundary Commission determination, and no constitutional instrument designating Eba Island or the Eba Oil Field as part of Ogun State media opinions and publications have twisted historical facts by insinuating that same belong to Ogun State.

“The House is too worrisome that this situation has culminated in an avoidably brewing tension, almost precipitating a breakdown of Law and Order.”

To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Special Duties to urged National Boundary Commission to urgently put in place measures to determine the status of the aforementioned Area in question.