•House of Representatives
The House of Representatives yesterday urged the federal government to urgently determine the ownership status of a disputed territory that has increasingly become a source of tension between Ogun and Ondo states.
The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Donald Ojogo, member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State, during plenary, reports Daily Independent.
Ojogo explained that the disputed area falls within Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, a region with historical claims predating the colonial era.
He said, “The Mahin Kingdom, historically known as the Mahin country, has existed long before colonial administration. In 1885, the paramount ruler, the Amapetu of Mahin, signed an agreement with colonial authorities incorporating the Mahin country and the land called Atijere into the Lagos Colony. This arrangement persisted until the 1914 Amalgamation.”
Ojogo further highlighted that Atijere historically served as the administrative center for surrounding communities, hosting the Native Court in 1933. He added,
“The Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom appointed vassal chiefs who have always been of Ilaje descent, reflecting the ethnic identity of Ondo Province and, subsequently, Ondo State.”
According to Ojogo, Ondo State governments, past and present, have consistently provided infrastructure in the area, including roads, hospitals, and schools.
“All infrastructure, roads, hospitals, schools, and other social amenities, have been provided by the Ondo government up till date,” he stressed.
On the specific issue of Eba Island, Ojogo argued that the territory clearly falls within Ondo State jurisdiction.
“Eba Island has, for decades, been administered as part of the Atijere Forest Reserve under Ondo State authority, without any formal protest or legal challenge from Ogun State,” he said.
He also cited oil exploration in the area as evidence of Ondo’s administrative control.
“The Eba oil field, located in the Ago Balogun community, further reinforces Ondo State’s claim.
Customarily, historically, and traditionally, the community has been governed under Atijere Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State,” Ojogo noted.
The lawmaker warned against unverified claims linking the area to Ogun State, cautioning that media reports twisting historical facts could escalate tensions.
“Without any legal instrument, judgment of any competent court, or determination by the National Boundary Commission, insinuations that the area belongs to Ogun State are misleading and could threaten peace,” he said.
The motion received overwhelming support from lawmakers, who mandated the House Committee on Special Duties to urge the National Boundary Commission to urgently clarify the status of the disputed territory.
