NEWS
Ogun Community Petitions Oil Company, NUPRC Over Ownership Status Of Eba Island
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 management of Sigvent Industrial Cluster has commended the Federal Government and security agencies for the successful rescue of citizens abducted in the Ogbomoso axis of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major boost to investor confidence and business security.
In a statement, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sigvent Industrial Cluster, Benjamin Onigbinde, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Oyo State Government for what he described as a swift and coordinated rescue effort.
According to Onigbinde, the operation demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting lives and economic activities, reassuring investors, farmers and development partners involved in the cluster’s projects.
“The speed and coordination of this rescue sends a strong signal that Ogbomoso is secure and that the government will protect lives and livelihoods. For investors, this is confidence. For farmers and our foundation partners deploying resources to Sigvent Cluster, this is assurance that their people and assets are safe,” he said.
Sigvent Industrial Cluster is developing an agro-processing industrial hub in Ogbomoso, with planned facilities for cashew, cassava, soya and mango processing, as well as logistics hubs and a Research and Innovation Centre. The project is designed to support the Federal Government’s agriculture industrialisation, food security and global trade agenda.
The company noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Industrial Plan 2026 and cited the endorsement of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who reportedly described the project as having the “potential to become one of the biggest clusters in Africa.”
Onigbinde also stressed that security remains a critical factor in attracting investment.
“Main drivers of ease of doing business are security, policy consistency and infrastructure. The Federal Government has delivered on two of the three, while Sigvent Industrial Cluster and our partners are delivering on the third,” he said.
The company e
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
In their efforts aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilization ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, the Asejere Youths Vanguard on Saturday paid a courtesy visit to the Accord Party’s Osun Central Senatorial Candidate, Aare Abdul-Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa Asejere, where both parties held a strategic meeting.
Welcoming members of the structure, Aare Asejere expressed profound appreciation to the leadership and entire membership of the Vanguard for their dedication, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the growth of the movement.
He specially commended the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Olaide Adigun (Personal Assistant to Aare Asejere), the State Executive Coordinator, Comrade Ojewale David (De Senator), and the State General Secretary, Comrade Job Francis (Omo Imole) for their outstanding efforts in building and sustaining the structure long before the official declaration of his senatorial ambition.
Aare Asejere reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare and progress of members, assuring them of his continuous support before, during, and after the elections. He stated that every committed member of the structure would, by the grace of God, reap the rewards of their sacrifices.
He charged members to intensify grassroots mobilization across the ten local government areas of Osun Central Senatorial District, stressing that their immediate assignment is to canvass massive support for the re-election of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. He also urged members to work closely with ward and polling unit leaders, promote voter education, encourage eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and mobilize voters for overwhelming participation on Election Day.
Speaking on behalf of the structure, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Olaide Adigun, urged members to remain disciplined, united, and committed to the collective vision of the movement. He emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement, responsible conduct, teamwork, and continuous voter sensitization, noting that dedication and selfless service remain the foundation of Vanguard’s success.
The Olorunda Local Government Chairman of the Accord Party, Hon. Ademola Hazmat (Otitokoro), commended the Asejere Youths Vanguard for its vibrant grassroots activities and encouraged members to sustain the momentum by mobilizing support for Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Accord Party. He further urged members to maintain peace, unity, and issue-based campaigns while working harmoniously with party leaders and coordinators across all wards and polling units.
The meeting ended with prayers offered by Aare Asejere for the continued growth, unity, and success of the Asejere Youths Vanguard and for the realization of its collective political aspirations.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Ahead of 2027 general election a good governance crusader from the South West, Dr Jackson Lekan Ojo has urged Nigerians to cast aside primodal ethnic and religious sentiments and support the candidature of Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Dr Ojo, who resigned his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) about two years ago over the failure of the government to meet the minimum expectations of Nigerians, declared that Atiku’s record as the Chairman of the National Economic Council speaks volume about his capacity to positively turn around the fortunes of Nigeria.
According to him, Atiku’s economic team achieved an unbeaten record till date without borrowing anything.
“We need an Atiku. We have seen what Atiku achieved when he was just ordinary Vice President and Head of the Economic Team. I would not be holding a mobile phone today if not for his economic team. Prior to that the telecommunication system in the country was battered but look at what the economic team did.
“They did not borrow? Even the money the military administrations borrowed they (Atiku’s team) worked towards it and the people wrote off our debts.
“Why won’t I follow Atiku, why won’t I mobilize for Atiku? I don’t need to know him one on one but I felt Nigeria deserves the best.
“It was during his period I got Mobile phone, built a house, bought a car and achieved a lot of things without knowing anybody or lobbying anyone. But if you do a government contract now you need to lobby to get your payment. Enough is enough.”
He expressed concern that some Nigerians are putting tribal, religious and regional issues as priority in choosing who to support in 2027.
“I wonder what is wrong with our brain, with our mentality and with our orientation in this part of the world. I was discussing the other day with a friend and he challenged me ‘why did you leave Bola Tinubu, Obi and you are supporting Atiku’s? I responded ‘why did you leave Atiku and support either Tinubu or Obi?
“He said because Tinubu and Obi are from the South. I laughed and asked him, as a Southerner, where is that fueling station where you are buying gas, petrol, diesel or kerosene less than a Northerner? Where is that supermarket where you buy groceries, foodstuff cheaper than a Northerner. He was dumbfounded and couldn’t say anything again.
“It is arrant nonsense when you criticize based on religion, tribe, ethnic groups, zone or region. It is madness, absolute stupidity. None of these matters.
“Why are Northerners serving under the administration of a Southerner? All the Northerners are supposed to have withdrawn their services under a southern president if we are going towards ethnicity.
“If you want to board an aircraft, have you ever asked who the pilot, the air hostesses and others are? If you go to a restaurant, have you ever asked if the cow is from where, the gari is from where, the rice is from where, is it Moslem people that sold the gari, is it Christians that sold the rice?
“If you want to gain admission into a school why didn’t you ask who is the principal of that school, is he a Moslem, a Southerner or a Northerner. If you want to enter university you have to ask about the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar, the Lecturers and others. If you are a Christian and a Moslem is the Lecturer then withdraw from the school. That is stupidity.
“In the present day the poverty that is raiding and bedeviling Nigeria; the people from Osun State, people from Oyo State, people from Ondo State, people from Lagos State, the Yoruba speaking Kwara, the Yoruba speaking Kogi, the Yoruba speaking Edo, I think they are not feeling it.
“You’ve not seen people in Lagos condemning this government?
“It is not that anybody hates President Bola Tinubu, no. But his government is bad, his government is wicked, his government is lawless, his government is against humanity.
“We are talking about his government; his government is corrupt. We are not saying Tinubu is corrupt, the President is not wicked, the President is very good but the system he is running is weak, it is reckless.”
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