The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the territorial status of Eba Island following emerging claims over its ownership and concerns that the dispute could trigger communal clashes and threaten national economic assets.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Rep. Joseph Adegbesan during plenary, drawing attention to tensions surrounding the oil-bearing island located along the coastal axis of Ogun State.
Presenting the motion, Adegbesan cited Section 2(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which establishes Nigeria as “one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state whose boundaries are constitutionally defined.” He also referenced the National Boundary Commission’s mandate to define, adjust, and maintain inter-state boundaries.
The lawmaker explained that Eba Island, recently approved for commercial oil drilling, lies geographically between the Oluwa River and Alape River within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He noted that two distinct locations bear the name “Eba” — one being Eba Island in Ogun Waterside LGA of Ogun State, and the other an inland Eba community in Ilaje LGA of Ondo State — and that the two are geographically and administratively separate.
Adegbesan said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has long recognised Eba Island as part of Makun/Irokun Ward in Ogun Waterside LGA by establishing polling units and conducting elections there.
He added that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), in collaboration with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), carried out due diligence and verified the coordinates of the oil well before President Bola Tinubu approved commercial drilling.
However, the lawmaker expressed concern over recent claims suggesting the oil-bearing Eba Island falls within Ondo State, warning that such assertions could generate unnecessary tension between Ogun and Ondo states and undermine national economic stability.
He raised alarm over reports of threats issued by certain groups regarding oil exploration activities in the area, warning that such actions pose risks to national security and economic infrastructure.
Adegbesan stressed that there has been no constitutional amendment, judicial pronouncement, federal gazette, or formal boundary adjustment by the National Boundary Commission transferring Eba Island from Ogun State to Ondo State since the 1976 state creation exercise.
He highlighted that confusion arising from the similarity in names could mislead the public and policymakers, potentially discouraging investment, disrupting exploration, threatening revenue generation, and creating opportunities for criminal activities around national assets.
Following deliberations, the House mandated its Committees on Special Duties and Petroleum Resources (Upstream) to investigate the geospatial coordinates and official boundary documentation relating to Eba Island.
The committees are to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
