Concerned by signs of escalating unrest, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the simmering dispute between the Eba Island and Atijere communities located along the boundary of Ondo and Ogun states. Lawmakers warned that failure to act swiftly could trigger a breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich area, where competing claims over territorial ownership and resource control have continued to heighten anxiety among residents.
The House’s intervention followed a public statement issued by the Ilaje socio-cultural group, Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, which accused the Ogun State Government of authorising oil exploration activities in Eba community and advancing plans for a deep seaport under a newly renamed Olokola Free Trade Zone. According to the group, the moves amount to a misrepresentation of historical boundaries and an alleged encroachment on territory belonging to Ondo State.
The organisation described the claims as misleading, warning that such actions could inflame tensions in the already sensitive coastal region if not properly addressed by the Federal Government.
Members of the House stressed the need for dialogue and federal mediation to prevent the dispute from escalating into open conflict, especially given the economic importance of the area and its history of boundary-related disagreements. They urged relevant federal agencies to verify territorial claims, engage stakeholders from both states and ensure that development projects do not undermine peace among neighbouring communities.
