Gbaramatu Kingdom, April 13, 2025 – After weeks of silence amid raging political turbulence in Rivers State, former MEND commander and Ijaw high priest, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, famously known as Tompolo, has broken his silence—declaring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s mandate will be restored.
Speaking at his 54th birthday celebration at the sacred Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, Tompolo used his first public comments since the crisis erupted to reaffirm his loyalty to the Ijaw nation, push back against betrayal allegations, and assure a political comeback for Fubara, whom many Ijaw leaders believe was wrongfully sidelined.
“People say I betrayed the Ijaw nation for keeping quiet… but I have given my blood and life for my people. I cannot betray the Ijaw cause,” Tompolo said, visibly emotional before a crowd of elders, activists, and royal dignitaries.
Tompolo to Wike: We Made You Governor, Don’t Insult the Ijaw Nation
Tompolo’s statement comes amid lingering resentment over Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s alleged role in the power tussle that saw Governor Fubara suspended under controversial circumstances. Many in the Niger Delta have accused Wike of engineering the state of emergency to undermine the Ijaw political structurein Rivers State.
Tompolo, while acknowledging his personal relationship with Wike, reminded the minister that Ijaw support was crucial to his emergence as governor, and cautioned against derogatory remarks that demean the Ijaw people.
“We have grown beyond responding to insults. We are not his equals in this struggle. The Ijaw nation is a spiritual people—if we go to war, even the heavens will support us,” he thundered.
Ijaw vs. Itsekiri Tensions Resurface Over INEC Ward Dossier
The fiery address also touched on the contentious INEC ward delineation report in Warri Federal Constituency, where some Ijaw communities accuse the electoral body of historical marginalization. Tompolo defended the Ijaw claims, stating that “Okerenkoko is larger than all Itsekiri towns combined.”
“They call Gbaramatu not a historic kingdom. But Omadino in Gbaramatu is 40 years older than all Itsekiri settlements. These are the facts,” he said, citing population data and cultural heritage.
Despite rising tensions, he urged unity among ethnic groups in the Delta, adding: “Ijaws and Itsekiris are not enemies. The Olu of Warri himself is maternally from Gbaramatu. We are one people.”
Support for Tinubu, Warning to Bayelsa Saboteurs
In a surprising twist, Tompolo declared support for President Bola Tinubu, saying the President means well for the Ijaw people and deserves patience and cooperation.
“Tinubu is not the enemy. Let us give him time to deliver. He will not fail the Niger Delta,” he said.
He warned against political plots to destabilize Bayelsa State, which remains a core Ijaw territory, declaring that any such move would be met with resistance.
“I don’t always agree with Governor Diri, but Bayelsa is our home. No outsider will break us. The Ijaw people must protect their land and heritage,” Tompolo declared, echoing his militant-era fervor.
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Reporting by Babatunde Akinsola in Lagos, Nigeria.
