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Residents of 19 oil-producing communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have staged a peaceful protest over alleged encroachment on their ancestral lands by people from neighbouring communities in Delta State.
The protesters, who came from coastal communities in Ugbo Kingdom, appealed to the Ondo State Government to intervene urgently, warning that the lingering land dispute could escalate into an interstate crisis between Ondo and Delta states.
Among the affected communities are Odun Ebiwon, Odun Makin, Ilu Titun, Odun Odunjo, Odun Maha, Eke Nla, Eke Kekere, Ubajakere, Eke Itiola, Odun Okoro, Odun Yonren, Odun Beku, Odun Ogungbeje, Odun Oyinbo, Odun Oriretan, Ubale Kekere, Ubale Nla, Ikuyinminu and Odun Igo.
During the demonstration, residents carried placards insisting that the disputed communities belong to Ugbo Kingdom in Ilaje LGA, Ondo State, while repeatedly stressing that they wanted a peaceful resolution rather than confrontation.
Community leader Busayo Ebiniyi alleged that pressure on the communities had intensified because of the area’s economic importance, particularly its oil and other mineral resources. He urged both the Ondo and Delta state governments to intervene before tensions deteriorate further.
Another community leader, Ebiwonjumi Olumide, maintained that the affected settlements had existed for generations under the authority of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom. He cited historical records as well as government projects—including projects attributed to previous Ondo administrations—as evidence supporting their claim to the territory.
The communities are also demanding a stronger government presence in the riverine area, including boundary signposts, improved security, hospitals, potable water and modern housing.
Responding to the protest, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Idowu Ajanaku said the state government would examine the dispute and work to ensure that peace is maintained.
The controversy goes beyond a conventional land dispute. With the communities situated in an oil-producing area, questions surrounding territorial boundaries, mineral resources and control of economically valuable land could make the disagreement particularly sensitive.
The immediate challenge for authorities is therefore to establish the relevant boundaries and competing claims through lawful processes before a disagreement over land and resources develops into a wider communal or interstate confrontation.
