By Blessing Bello, Reporting
THE leadership of the Ilaje Mahin community has firmly declared that Eba Island remains an integral part of Ilaje land in Ondo State, warning against what they described as “misrepresentation” of the island’s territorial identity following reports of fresh oil discoveries.
Speaking from Igbokoda on Thursday, community representatives said the island historically and administratively belongs to the Ilaje people and is governed through the traditional structures of Atijere.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Ilaje Mahin Communities of Atijere Kingdom, the community stressed that it would not relinquish its ancestral land or “God-given resources” to any external claimants.
“Eba Island is historically and administratively part of Ilaje land. We will not cede our land and God-given resources to anyone else,” the statement read.
The community emphasised that legitimate custodianship of the island rests with the traditional institutions led by the Amapetu of Mahin, described as the paramount ruler of Mahinland, alongside the Molokun of Atijere.
According to the statement, these institutions form the recognised governance framework through which consent and engagement must be secured for any oil exploration or production activities.
“These institutions represent the established traditional governance framework through which access, engagement and community consent must be obtained,” the leaders stated.
While asserting their territorial claim, the Ilaje leadership expressed support for responsible oil exploration and welcomed investment aimed at boosting national production.
They commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for efforts to expand output in line with economic development goals, adding that the community was ready to cooperate with duly authorised exploration firms operating on the island.
However, they cautioned that host community participation is both a legal and moral obligation under Nigeria’s petroleum laws, and warned that bypassing established leadership structures could provoke avoidable tensions.
“We support oil exploration in our community, but our people must be carried along for the sake of peace and equity,” the statement emphasised.
“Engagement without recognition of established traditional and community leadership structures risks avoidable tension and disorder.”
The community called on relevant federal authorities to address any boundary concerns through constitutionally recognised mechanisms, insisting that due process must be strictly followed.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace and lawful engagement, the Ilaje leaders expressed confidence that stakeholders would act with “prudence, respect for history, and adherence to established legal frameworks”.
The statement was signed by Dr. Prince Ola Judah Ajidibo Akinyomi on behalf of the Palace of the Amapetu of Mahinland.
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