The House of Representatives has intervened in the ongoing boundary dispute over the oil-rich Eba Island–Atijere area, claimed by Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and neighbouring Ogun State.
The intervention came during plenary on Wednesday, presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, as lawmakers moved to calm rising tensions and prevent a possible breakdown of law and order in the affected communities.
To address the issue, the House mandated its Committee on Special Duties to work closely with the National Boundary Commission to urgently establish the official status of the disputed area. The committee has been tasked with engaging the commission to clarify boundaries, restore calm, and promote lasting peace in the oil-producing region. 
The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by Rep. Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh, member representatives Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State.
Leading the debate, Rep. Kimikanboh drew the attention of the House to growing tension in the Eba Island–Atijere axis, warning that conflicting claims and misleading narratives could fuel unrest in the oil-producing communities if left unresolved.
He noted that what is presently known as Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State existed long before the pre-colonial era and was originally referred to as Mahin Country, this is as he recalled that in 1885, the Paramount and Natural Ruler of the area, the Amapetu of Mahin, signed a treaty with British colonial authorities that incorporated the entire Mahin Country, including Atijere Island, into the Colony of Lagos, where it was administered until the 1914 Amalgamation.
He further noted that Atijere and adjoining communities—such as Irokun, Igboedun, Eba, Obinneyin, Araromi Seaside, Mahintedo and Itebu-Elero—have remained under the paramount authority of the Amapetu of Mahin, a First Class and Grade A traditional ruler in Ondo State, since that historic treaty.
He also recalled that Atijere served as the administrative headquarters of surrounding satellite communities, including Eba, and hosted a Native Court as far back as 1933. Vassal chiefs appointed over the years were said to have consistently been of Ilaje descent, reflecting the area’s historical ties to the former Ondo Province and present-day Ondo State.
The lawmaker explained that all major infrastructure in the area—roads, hospitals, schools and other social amenities have historically been provided by successive governments of Ondo Province and later Ondo State, he stressed that Eba Island falls squarely within Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as confirmed by nationally and internationally recognised geographic mapping systems.
He maintained that the oil field located in Ago Balogun Community, popularly known as the Eba Oil Field, was said to be customarily, historically and traditionally governed under Atijere Kingdom, with the original inhabitants identified as Ilaje people.
The lawmaker noted that despite the absence of any legal instrument, court judgment, National Boundary Commission determination or constitutional provision designating Eba Island or the Eba Oil Field as part of Ogun State, some media reports have distorted historical facts by suggesting otherwise.
He added that such claims have heightened tension in the area and pose a threat to peace and security.
