By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has again reaffirmed its commitment to advancing intra-African trade by deepening its partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to strengthen trade facilitation, enhance customs cooperation, and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The commitment was reaffirmed during a working visit by the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Dr George Elombi, to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, at the Service Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 3 July 2026.

The engagement provided both institutions with an opportunity to review the progress of their collaboration and identify new areas of cooperation to promote seamless cross-border trade and regional economic integration.

Welcoming the Afreximbank delegation, the CGC described the partnership as one built on a shared vision of unlocking Africa’s economic potential through stronger trade among African countries. He noted that the collaboration has continued to yield tangible results in customs modernisation and trade facilitation, particularly through initiatives designed to harmonise customs procedures and improve the movement of goods across the continent.

He said, “We are building a partnership between the two sides, a partnership founded on a single conviction: that Africa’s best trading partners are within Africa itself, and our prosperity will be built on the trade we conduct within ourselves. From C-PACT to our ongoing work on trade facilitation, we are turning that conviction into practical cooperation.”

CGC Adeniyi further disclosed that the partnership would support Afreximbank’s regional transit initiatives, accelerate the development of one-stop border posts along key trade corridors, and promote the adoption of global best practices to strengthen customs administration. He added that the Service was already recording positive outcomes from the Bank’s support for regional transit systems and expressed confidence that the collaboration would further boost Africa’s competitiveness and expand opportunities for legitimate trade.

Commending the NCS for its proactive leadership, the President of Afreximbank, Dr George Elombi, described the Service’s approach as a demonstration of strong institutional commitment to transforming trade across the continent. “It is nice to see the CGC taking the initiative to drive this kind of engagement, which demonstrates a clear commitment to transforming trade across the continent. We have the resources, and you have the will. Together, we can make this partnership work for Africa,” he said, while reaffirming the Bank’s readiness to expand its support for initiatives that facilitate trade and strengthen the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The meeting also reviewed the successful collaboration between both institutions on the maiden edition of the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT), held in Abuja in November 2025, which brought together customs administrations, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to harmonise customs procedures, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve connectivity across Africa’s trading systems.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II) and the entire people of Ode-Omi Kingdom in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State have petitioned Geoplex Drillteq Ltd and copied NUPRC Over ownership and host community status of Eba Island.

In a petition dated 4th May, 2026, and signed by their lawyer, Adekunle Biobaku, Esq, Principal Partner, Law Pharm LP.

and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Geoplex Drillteq Ltd, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, and copied to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) through its Corporate/Zonal Office, the petitioners “cautioned against transacting, according recognition, legitimacy or host community status to any individual or group from Imakun Omi in relation to Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island).”

The petitioners noted that, doing so would amount to a “distortion of historical facts and could unnecessarily generate avoidable disputes within the area.”

They also stated unequivocally that, “Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) is not within Makun Omi Kingdom. Makun Omi has no historical, geographical or customary custodianship over Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island). The crude oil exploration site is within the territorial jurisdiction of the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi Kingdom.”

The community insisted that adequate engagement, recognition and compensation be accorded to Ode-Omi as the bona fide host community to any oil exploration activities in Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) being the community whose land, waterways and environment will bear the direct impact of such operations.

According to them, “The inevitable environmental degradation, pollution of aquatic resources, destruction of livelihoods and other socio-economic consequences arising from oil exploration will primarily affect the people of Ode-Omi whose ancestral land and ecosystem stand to suffer the immediate and long-term adverse effects of the activities.

“It is in the interest of equity, environmental justice and compliance with extant laws and host community obligations within the petroleum sector that Ode-Omi be duly recognised and adequately compensated as the actual host community directly exposed to the burdens and consequences of the exploration activities.”

In view of the foregoing, the petitioners demanded that within 14 days from the receipt of this letter, Geoplex Drillteq Ltd., as a responsible corporate organization and stakeholder in the exploration activities within the said area, recognise and relate only with Ode-Omi Kingdom and the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi as the legitimate host community and prescribed traditional authority over Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) and/or any Eba settlements.

They further urged the Company to take cognizance of the investigation recently carried out by the House of Representatives concerning the ownership and territorial status of Eba Island wherein the petitioners made representation.

While narrating the historical background of the Eba Island in a petition titled, “Re: Ownership And Host Community Status Of Eba Ebute Olokun And Eba Alaja (Eba Island), Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State,” Adekunle Biobaku, Esq said that, “We write to formally bring to your attention the historical, customary, administrative and legal status of Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja, popularly known as Eba Island, in respect of the ongoing crude oil exploration activities recently approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“This correspondence has become necessary owing to recent misleading claims and representations by certain persons and interests seeking to distort the true ownership and host community status of Eba Island.”

For the avoidance of doubt, he explained that, “Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) is historically, geographically, legally and customarily part of Ode-Omi Kingdom under the overlordship and prescribed authority of the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State. Historically, Eba settlements have always been occupied and controlled by families and ruling houses originating from Ode-Omi Kingdom, including but not limited to Ojafoyewa, Ojagbuwa, Osotekun and Talakaye Dosunmu families.

“Successive Lenuwas of Ode-Omi have continuously exercised traditional authority over Eba communities and installed Baales within the settlements. Notably, the late Oba Adenuga Okuniyi, the then Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, installed Chief Dele Aiyemoba (aka Joge), the incumbent Baale of Eba Ebute Olokun (Eba Island), as well as Chief Adetunji Balogun (Ajose) of the Ojagbuwa Ruling House, the incumbent Baale of Eba Alaye.

“Furthermore, the Committee on Prescribed Authority in Ijebuland (2013–2017) expressly affirmed that the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi shall exert authority over Eba settlements including Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja, the present oil site popularly known as Eba Island. The said finding was based on historical seniority, evidence of installation of local chiefs and continuous exercise of authority over the Eba settlements.

“In addition, independent scholarly and historical materials, colonial administrative records and survey documents all confirm that Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja falls within Ogun Waterside axis of Ogun State and forms part of the Ode-Omi coastal territory. Of particular relevance is Survey Plan No. JOO/06/22/2000 titled “Ebute Olokun, Okuniyi, Ojafoyewa Family Land at Ebute Olokun Village, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State” prepared by JONAS OKEKE, Registered Surveyor, which clearly situates Eba Island within Ogun State and within the territorial sphere of Ode-Omi Kingdom.

“We also respectfully draw your attention to the fact that the Ogun State Government recognised Ode-Omi Kingdom as host community during the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) project, and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) S. K. Adetona, constituted a panel whose report equally affirmed the role and authority of the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi over the area.

“It has however come to our attention that certain persons from Imakun Omi are now attempting to lay claim to Eba Island and have perfected plans to sell to you some acres of land there which belong to our Clients. Historical accounts confirm that in the 17th and 19th centuries, two (2) Lenuwas (specifically from the Ojafoyewa lineage) were born and raised in Eba Island before ascending the throne of Ode-Omi Kingdom.

“It may interest you to know Sir that the first Oba of Makun Omi, Oba Museibi Abimbola Odugbefun who was upgraded from the status of Baale to Obaship coronet in 2002 had the villages/camps under Makun-Omi explicitly listed and no Eba settlement was included therein. From the Coronation & Installation Programme of the Coronation Ceremony, Presentation of Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to His Royal Highness Alayeluwa Oba Museibi Abimbola Odugbefun (Alhaji) Adekalu 1, Osobia of Makun-Omi Land of Wednesday 18th December, 2002, the following villages/camps are under Makun-Omi; Liyewu, Ariyan, Idaleketa, Olowu, Moha-Odu, Moha-Ogundele, Ito-Aro, Mukone, Lagada Aberu, Lerofo and Nasegun.

“Imakun Omi has never exercised ownership, traditional authority, administrative control or possessory rights over Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) and/or any Eba settlements. At no point in history have the traditional authorities of Imakun Omi installed Baales, exercised prescribed authority or exercised territorial control over Eba settlements.

“Geographically and administratively, Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) in Ode-Omi Kingdom falls along the coastal corridor and the ongoing coastal road under construction passes through Ode-Omi which shares boundary only with within that axis. Similarly, access from Makun-Omi to Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) requires crossing of two rivers and lagoons, clearly indicating no contiguous territorial linkage. Makun-Omi geographically is on the hinterland and shares boundary with Abigi, Ibiade, Atijere and is on the J3 and J4 axis along the Ijebu Ode-Ore road.”

Similarly, the “for immediate release” of January 24, 2026, describing Makun-Omi as “Host Community” is factually inaccurate and capable of creating communal tension, misleading Federal, State and Private institutions like yours while disrupting peaceful oil operations and undermining prior traditional and administrative settlements.”

He concluded by saying that, Ode-Omi people remain committed to peace and are law-abiding indigenes of Ogun State and citizens of Nigeria and fully support the developmental vision of both the Federal and Ogun State Governments for a peaceful environment and assure of their full – unwavering and unconditional cooperation and support for seamless oil exploration and production in commercial quantity in Eba settlements including Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) for the economic prosperity of investors, Ogun State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

However, he added that “peace must be anchored on truth, historical accuracy and respect for lawful custodianship. We urge that dialogue and due diligence be observed and prioritised over public misrepresentation. This project is historic for Ogun State and Nigeria. It must not be tainted by avoidable territorial controversy.

“According the rightful host community status, transacting on land with only the legitimate owner of Eba Ebute Olokun and Eba Alaja (Eba Island) will preserve harmony across Ogun Waterside and safeguard investors’ confidence.”

By David Torough, Abuja

The Ode-Omi Kingdom in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area has been thrown into mourning following the death of its revered traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, Osoteku II, the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi Kingdom, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

The announcement, made by the Osoteku Royal Family, through the Balogun of Ode-Omi Kingdom, Chief Shittu Aliu Adeyemi who described the late monarch as a visionary leader, custodian of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, and a symbol of peace, wisdom and unity.

The family noted that throughout his reign, Oba Hassan dedicated himself to the progress, development and well-being of the people of Ode-Omi, leaving behind a legacy of exemplary leadership, fatherly counsel and unwavering commitment to his subjects.

While funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, the family has scheduled a Fidau prayer in honour of the late monarch.

The prayer will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Lenuwa Palace, Ode-Omi Kingdom, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Meanwhile, condolences have continued to pour in from prominent personalities and well-wishers.

In a condolence message dated July 2, 2026, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun described the monarch’s death as a painful loss to the Hassan family, the people of Ode-Omi and the Ijebu Traditional Council.

The governor praised the late Oba as a promoter of unity, harmony and cultural values, noting that he was also a philanthropist whose contributions positively impacted the lives of many people.

He said the monarch’s reign was marked by progress and meaningful development, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Governor Abiodun prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul and asked God to grant the royal family, traditional chiefs and the people of Ode-Omi the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan’s passing marks the end of an era in Ode-Omi Kingdom, where he will be remembered for his dedication to preserving tradition, fostering unity and advancing the development of his community. May his soul rest in perfect peace.