Ogun, Ondo Dispute Eba Island Oil

A territorial dispute has erupted between Nigeria — Ogun State and Nigeria — Ondo State in Nigeria over the ownership of Eba Island, an oil-rich territory. The conflict was triggered by President Bola Tinubu's approval for commercial oil drilling activities at an abandoned oil well on the island. Nigeria — Ogun State, through Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Special Adviser Kayode Akinmade, asserts its jurisdiction based on historical, legal, and administrative records, including colonial gazettes and Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission registrations. They also cite due diligence by NNPC Limited and the deployment of national security assets as federal recognition of their claim. Conversely, Nigeria — Ondo State, represented by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's Special Adviser Allen Sowore, rejects Nigeria — Ogun State's claims, insisting that Eba Island falls within its Ilaje Local Government Area, citing historical records, local court authority, and the indigeneity of landowners. Both states have called upon the United States — International Boundary and Water Commission to provide authoritative records to resolve the boundary controversy, highlighting the significant economic implications of the oil discovery.