Correct Option: D. Decision of the International Court of Justice Detailed Explanation: The Nigerian-Cameroon crisis over the Bakassi Peninsula primarily stemmed from historical territorial disputes that were exacerbated by colonial treaties and post-colonial interpretations. The key event that resolved this dispute was the decision made by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2002.

1. Background of the Dispute:
2. The Bakassi Peninsula is a region located in the Gulf of Guinea, rich in oil and fishing resources. Both Nigeria and Cameroon claimed sovereignty over this territory.
3. The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the colonial era, particularly the Anglo-German agreements and the 1913 treaty, which were ambiguous regarding the boundaries between British Nigeria and German Kamerun.
4. Role of the International Court of Justice:
5. In 1994, Cameroon brought the case to the ICJ, seeking a legal resolution to the territorial dispute.
6. After a thorough examination of historical documents, treaties, and the principle of effective occupation, the ICJ delivered its judgment on October 10, 2002.
7. The court ruled that the Bakassi Peninsula belonged to Cameroon, based on the interpretation of the 1913 treaty and subsequent agreements.
8. Implementation of the ICJ Decision:
9. Following the ICJ ruling, Nigeria initially resisted the decision, leading to tensions and military confrontations. However, diplomatic efforts and international pressure eventually led to Nigeria's agreement to withdraw its military presence from Bakassi.
10. In 2006, Nigeria officially handed over the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, marking the end of the territorial dispute.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• A. Resolution of the OAU:
• The Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), did not play a direct role in resolving the Bakassi crisis. While the OAU promoted peaceful resolutions to conflicts, it was not the body that made a binding decision on the territorial claims.
• B. Maroua Accord:
• The Maroua Accord, signed in 1975, was an agreement between Nigeria and Cameroon that aimed to resolve some border disputes. However, it did not specifically address the Bakassi Peninsula issue in a conclusive manner. The ICJ's ruling was necessary to provide a definitive resolution.
• C. Decision of the ECOWAS Tribunal:
• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Tribunal does not have jurisdiction over territorial disputes of this nature. The ECOWAS focuses more on regional integration and economic cooperation rather than adjudicating border conflicts. The ICJ was the appropriate international body for this legal matter.

Revision Summary:

• The Bakassi Peninsula dispute was resolved by the International Court of Justice in 2002, which ruled in favor of Cameroon.
• The ICJ's decision was based on the interpretation of historical treaties, particularly the 1913 treaty.
• Other options, such as the OAU resolution, Maroua Accord, and ECOWAS Tribunal, did not provide a binding resolution to the territorial claims.
• The implementation of the ICJ ruling led to Nigeria's withdrawal from Bakassi and its eventual handover to Cameroon in 2006.