David Osia Warns Jude Gbaboyor, Yemi Otuedon, Oliver Fejero Over Persistent Attacks on Tompolo
Former Edo Governor’s Aide Calls for Restraint, Says Niger Delta Peace Must Not Be Jeopardized
A former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Edo State and respected Niger Delta stakeholder, Hon. David Osia, has called on Jude Gbaboyor, Yemi Otuedon, Oliver Fejero, and other critics of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) to exercise restraint in their public engagements and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions within the Niger Delta region.
Speaking against the backdrop of continued exchanges and criticisms directed at the renowned Niger Delta leader, Hon. Osia expressed concern that the persistent attacks on Tompolo could create unnecessary divisions among stakeholders and supporters across the region.
According to him, while every Nigerian possesses the constitutional right to freedom of expression, such rights should be exercised responsibly and in a manner that promotes peace, unity, and regional development.
Appeal for Responsible Engagement
Hon. Osia stated that the Niger Delta has made significant sacrifices over the years in pursuit of peace, stability, and economic advancement. He warned that inflammatory statements and recurring confrontations involving respected regional figures could undermine the progress achieved through years of dialogue and reconciliation.
He specifically appealed to Jude Gbaboyor, Yemi Otuedon, Oliver Fejero, and others involved in public criticisms of Tompolo to adopt more constructive channels of engagement and avoid statements capable of provoking tension among youths and supporters.
According to him, disagreements are natural in a democratic society, but such disagreements should not degenerate into hostility or campaigns that could threaten the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the region.
Tompolo’s Role in the Niger Delta
Hon. Osia noted that Tompolo remains one of the most influential figures in the contemporary history of the Niger Delta, whose contributions to peace-building, community development, maritime security, and the protection of critical national assets have earned him recognition across Nigeria and beyond.
He maintained that irrespective of differing opinions, stakeholders must acknowledge the importance of preserving mutual respect in public discourse, particularly when discussing individuals who command significant followership within the region.
The former government aide observed that many loyal supporters of Tompolo have remained calm despite repeated criticisms directed at their leader, emphasizing that such patience should not be taken for granted.
Warning Against Escalation
While reiterating his commitment to peace, Hon. Osia cautioned that continued hostility and provocative rhetoric could generate avoidable tensions among various groups within the Niger Delta.
He stressed that no meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of conflict and urged all parties to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
“The Niger Delta belongs to all of us. We have endured too much conflict in the past to allow unnecessary disagreements to drag us backward. Every stakeholder must act with wisdom, maturity, and a sense of responsibility,” he stated.
He further appealed to youth leaders, community stakeholders, opinion moulders, and political actors to continue promoting peace and unity as essential foundations for sustainable development.
Call for Unity and Progress
Hon. Osia emphasized that the future of the Niger Delta depends largely on the ability of its people to manage disagreements peacefully while focusing on issues that affect the welfare and development of the region.
He urged all parties involved in the ongoing public debates to embrace constructive dialogue and avoid statements capable of creating divisions among communities and stakeholders.
According to him, the region’s collective interest must always take precedence over personal disputes, political differences, or individual grievances.
As conversations surrounding Niger Delta affairs continue, Hon. Osia’s intervention is being viewed by many observers as a timely appeal for moderation, responsible engagement, and the preservation of the hard-earned peace that remains vital to the progress of the region.
A Message to All Stakeholders
The former Edo State government aide concluded by urging all Niger Delta leaders, activists, youths, and community organizations to remain committed to peace, mutual respect, and constructive engagement, noting that the prosperity of future generations depends on the choices made today.
“The Niger Delta has paid dearly for instability in the past. Let us not return to those dark days. Let peace, dialogue, and development remain our guiding principles,” he concluded.
Source: Statement by Hon. David Osia
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
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Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
About the Author
*Contribution to Hon. David Osia’s Statement*
Hon. David Osia’s call for restraint is timely. The Niger Delta has bled enough for disagreements to become new wars.
Tompolo, Gbaboyor, Otuedon, Fejero — all are sons of the region. When leaders fight in public, it is the youth in our creeks who pick up the pieces.
Freedom of speech is a right, but peace is a responsibility. We can disagree without dishonoring each other. We can demand accountability without burning the bridge we all need to cross.
The real battle is not among ourselves. It’s against poverty, against oil theft that robs our children, against schools without roofs in Torugbene and clinics without drugs in Gbaramatu.
Let every thumbprint in 2027 be for unity, not division. As Osia said: we’ve paid too dearly for instability. Let peace, dialogue, and development remain our compass.
_Mike Adirimo IJ
_June 16, 2026