In a bold move to set the record straight, the Ondo State government has dismissed claims that an abandoned oil well discovered in Oke-Agor-Isekun is located within Ogun State’s territory. The state has called for the Nigerian Navy’s intervention to safeguard the asset from potential threats.
Allen Sowore, the Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communication to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, issued a strongly worded statement on Saturday, categorically stating that the oil well in question is on Eba Island, an integral part of Ondo State. He further accused certain interests of deliberately misrepresenting its location to fuel unnecessary controversy.
Sowore meticulously outlined the historical trajectory of Eba Island, reinforcing Ondo’s ownership claim. According to him, the island was part of Ilaje/Mahin Country under the defunct Lagos Colony before the 1914 Amalgamation. Post-amalgamation, it was integrated into the old Ondo Province, specifically within the Okitipupa Division, and later designated as a Forestry Reserve under the Atijere Native Authority.
Further tracing its administrative evolution, he explained:
1950 – Eba Island became part of Ilaje District Council, with Atijere as its headquarters.
1975 – It remained under Ilaje/Ese-Odo Local Government Area upon its creation.
1997 – After Ese-Odo was carved out as a distinct local government, Eba Island remained under Ilaje Local Government in Ondo State.
Sowore emphasized that communities surrounding the oil well—Ago Alaja, Balogun Bode, and Fasuyi—have always been recognized as part of Atijere. Moreover, the traditional heads of these villages, including the current Baale, Chief Segun Fasuyi, have all been appointed by the Ondo State Government, further solidifying its jurisdiction over the area.
The Ondo government also invoked constitutional provisions to reinforce its stance. Citing Item 39 of the Second Schedule (Part 1) of the 1999 Constitution, Sowore clarified that while oil fields and mining fall under the Exclusive Legislative List—meaning they are assets of the Federation—the territorial locations and host communities must be accurately identified.
“In this case, the well is situated in Atijere community, Ondo State,” he reiterated.
Given the potential for security breaches and external interference, Ondo has sought the deployment of Nigerian Navy personnel from Forward Base, Igbokoda, alongside the state’s local security outfit, for enhanced surveillance of the facility. The government also called for collaboration with Ogun security agencies to prevent criminal encroachment.
Furthermore, the state urged the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and other federal agencies to step in and provide concrete evidence to resolve the boundary dispute conclusively.
“The Ondo State Government remains committed to ensuring the maximum protection of this asset while cooperating fully with the Federal Government in determining its rightful host community,” Sowore assured.
This latest development signals Ondo’s firm stance in defending its territorial integrity against what it perceives as misleading claims. As tensions simmer, all eyes are now on the federal authorities to provide a definitive resolution to this oil well ownership dispute.
PIONEER NEWS 