The people of Ode Omi Kingdom in Ogun State have formally appealed to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in a developing custodianship dispute over Eba Island following the federal government’s approval for crude oil drilling in the area.

In a letter dated January 28, 2026, addressed to the governor and signed by High Chief Prince Shittu Aliu Adeyemi, Balogun of Ode Omi Kingdom, the community expressed gratitude for the support extended by both the state and federal governments in advancing the oil project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The kingdom emphasized appreciation for the governor’s facilitation efforts and the president’s approval of commercial oil drilling on Eba Island, describing it as a realization of long-held aspirations for the people of Ijebu Waterside and the coastline.

However, Ode Omi Kingdom voiced concern over recent competing claims to the island, specifically referencing a letter dated January 24, 2026, from Oba Oshobia of Imakun Omi asserting ancestral ownership.

The community stated that Eba Island has historically belonged to the Lenuwa ruling houses of Ode Omi Kingdom—particularly the Ojafoyewa and Ojagbuwa royal families—along with other ancient families of the kingdom, dating back “since time immemorial.”

According to the statement, historical records show that residents of Eba villages maintained family houses in Ode Omi Kingdom, and certain past rulers of Ode Omi, including Lenuwa Ojafoyewa, were born and raised in Eba villages before their installation.

The Ode Omi community further noted that past traditional leaders of Imakun Omi had traditionally acknowledged the authority of the Lenuwa of Ode Omi Kingdom.

“We are therefore concerned by recent claims challenging our custodianship,” the statement read, adding that the community seeks to avoid any escalation that could disrupt peace in the Ijebu Waterside area.

The people of Ode Omi Kingdom called for prompt intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun to prevent potential communal disorder. They requested a calm, transparent investigation by relevant state authorities and the Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs to verify historical records and customary practices concerning ownership and custodianship of Eba Island and surrounding areas.

The statement highlighted Ode Omi’s reputation as a peaceful community that maintains cordial relations with neighboring areas. It described the Lenuwa of Ode Omi Kingdom, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II), as the recognized paramount ruler in Ijebu Waterside and a foundational traditional leader in Ijebu land.

The community urged all parties to pursue dialogue and legal avenues rather than confrontation, expressing confidence that amicable resolution would preserve peace and allow development to proceed for the benefit of the region.

“We urge all parties to pursue dialogue and legal avenues rather than confrontation so the matter can be resolved amicably and the peace of the area preserved for all,” the statement concluded.