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By Christopher Oji
A simmering territorial dispute has surfaced in Ogun State following the federal government’s approval of crude oil drilling in Eba Island, with the people of Ode Omi Kingdom issuing a formal protest and urgent appeal to prevent communal unrest.
In a letter dated January 28, 2026, and addressed to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the people of Ode Omi Kingdom expressed appreciation to the governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the oil project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, they warned that competing claims over Eba Island threaten peace in the Ijebu Waterside area, if not swiftly addressed.
The kingdom firmly rejected claims by Oba Oshobia of Imakun Omi, contained in a letter dated January 24, 2026, asserting ancestral ownership of Eba Island.
This was contained in a statement signed by High Chief (Prince) Shittu Aliu Adeyemi, Balogun of Ode Omi Kingdom, on behalf of the community.
According to the Ode Omi community, Eba Island has belonged “since time immemorial” to the Lenuwa ruling houses of Ode Omi Kingdom—specifically, the Ojafoyewa and Ojagbuwa royal families—alongside other ancient families of the kingdom.
“The people of Ode Omi Kingdom wish to appreciate the governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun for his efforts and facilitation to bring the dream of Ode Omi Kingdom to reality and we thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his concerns and efforts to approve this project; we thank him for having people of Ijebuland and coast line in the Renewed Hope Agenda. We wish to state clearly that Eba Island had belonged to the ruling houses of Lenuwa of Ode Omi Kingdom and other Ode Omi ancient families from Ode Omi communities.
“Precisely Ojafoyewa and Ojagbuwa royal families of Lenuwa of Ode Omi Kingdom, since time immemorial, historically reside in Eba Island and other Eba villages around the boundaries with Irokun Town, a neighbouring community to the Ode Omi kingdom.
“In the 17th and 19th centuries, two among the King Lenuwa of Ode Omi Kingdom, precisely Lenuwa Ojafoyewas, were born and brought up in Eba villages. Prior to installation as a ruler of Ode Omi, all the people of Eba have their family houses in Ode Omi Kingdom from time memorial. The past Baales of Imakun Omi community have traditionally acknowledged the authority of King Lenuwa of Ode Omi Kingdom.
“We are, therefore, concerned by recent claims by Oba Oshobia of Imakun Omi’s letter dated 24th of January, 2026, claims ancestral owner of Eba Island for crude oil drilling, challenging our custodianship when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved oil drilling in commercial quantity in Eba Island and wish to avoid escalation.
“We, the people of Ode Omi Kingdom, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governor of Ogun State to intervene promptly to prevent communal disorder. We request a calm, transparent investigation by relevant state authorities and the Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs to verify historical records and aboriginal customary practice of the people of Eba because it is clearly documented that all areas, towns and villages owned by every Oba in Ijebu traditional council from time memorial.
“Ode Omi is a peaceful community that maintains good relations with neighbouring communities as the recognized and the paramount ruler in the Ijebu Waterside and a foundational king in Ijebuland. King Lenuwa of Ode Omi Kingdom, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II), the Lenuwa did not share Eba Island with any traditional ruler in Ilaje communities in Ondo State. The first traditional ruler, Oba Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, then the paramount ruler of Ilajeland, was settled after the reign of the 11th Oba Lenuwa of Ode Omi Kingdom, the Lenuwa has been the first traditional ruler in the whole Ijebuland after him and his younger brothers Repaa the Liken of Iwopin Kingdom, and Ogbogbonida, who later became the first Awujale of Ijebu Ode. At that time, there was no Oba in the whole of Ijebu, including the coast and hinterland.
“Oba Lenuwa will continue to play a fatherly role. We urge all parties to pursue dialogue and legal avenues, rather than confrontation. So the matter can be resolved amicably and the peace of the area preserved for all,” the statement read.
