19 oil communities raise alarm over alleged land encroachment in Ondo

Residents of 19 oil-producing communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have protested alleged encroachment on their lands by people from neighbouring communities in Delta State.

The protesters, who represented the affected coastal communities, appealed to the Ondo State Government to intervene in the dispute and prevent it from escalating into an inter-state crisis.

Some of the communities involved include Odun Ebiwon, Odun Makin, Ilu Titun, Odun Odunjo, Odun Maha, Eke Nla, Eke Kekere, Ubajakere, Eke Itiola and Odun Okoro.

Others are Odun Yonren, Odun Beku, Odun Ogungbeje, Odun Oyinbo, Odun Oriretan, Ubale Kekere, Ubale Nla, Ikuyinminu and Odun Igo.

During the protest, the residents sang solidarity songs and carried placards with inscriptions including, “Odun Makin Community belongs to Ugbo in Ilaje LGA, Ondo State,” “We Don’t Want Crisis in Our Land,” “Oretan Community belongs to Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo State,” “Ilaje People Are Peace-Loving, We Say No to Inter-State Crisis,” and “Ebiwon Community is Ondo State.”

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, a community leader, Mr Busayo Ebiniyi, alleged that the communities had come under repeated pressure from neighbouring communities in Delta State because of the economic value of the area, which he said was rich in oil and other mineral resources.

He said the protest was organised to draw attention to the situation, calm tensions and prevent a breakdown of law and order, adding that community leaders had been consulting relevant authorities to ensure peace.

Ebiniyi called on the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene in the dispute.

He said, “This development has come to threaten the peace of our people, all because of the mineral resources discovered in our communities in Ugbo Kingdom, Ilaje Local Government.”

Ebiniyi said the community leaders would continue to engage relevant authorities and traditional leaders to resolve the dispute, stressing that the Ilaje people had lived peacefully with their neighbours for generations.

He said, “This land is our collective heritage and patrimony. Therefore, while we embrace peace, we will not subject ourselves to suppression and intimidation from people we regard as friends but who may have hidden interests. We protest against any form of intimidation.

“We are passing this message to Ondo State Government to relate with Delta State Government, that we don’t want Delta people to come to our community again…”

Another community leader, Ebiwonjumi Olumide, said the affected communities were part of Ugbo Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area and had existed for generations under the authority of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom.

He maintained that the communities had never identified with Delta State, describing claims over their land as unacceptable.

“We have evidence and proof. We possess historical records and political evidence that support our ownership of this land. For instance, the OSOPADEC project here was executed between 1999 and 2003. We have a school built during the administration of Dr. Olusegun Agagu, and this walkway was constructed during the administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko,” he said.

Also speaking, a leader, Orimisan Ebiwanjuwon, urged the Ondo State Government to strengthen its presence in the riverine communities through infrastructure development and improved security.

“We want the government to erect Ondo State boundary signboards in this area. We need modern housing, hospitals, potable water and adequate security,” he said.

When contacted, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the government would look into the matter.

“The government would look into the matter. We will ensure peace continues to reign among our people,” the commissioner stated.

Follow Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!