Gbeoba President Ogidigba Backs Tompolo, Calls for Ijaw Unity
By Dr Odimientimi Agbedeyi
The National President of Gbeoba Community, Egbema Kingdom, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Ogidigba Ebierin, has thrown his weight behind Niger Delta leader and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited Chairman, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, urging Ijaw leaders to close ranks and resist attempts to divide the region.
Ogidigba, in a message to the Ijaw Nation, described Tompolo as a “father to the Ijaw Nation” and a protective umbrella whose influence and interventions, according to him, have extended beyond Ijaw communities to other ethnic groups across the Niger Delta.
He said the benefits associated with Tantita’s operations should not be viewed strictly through ethnic lines, stressing that communities and indigenes from Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ilaje and other Niger Delta areas have benefited from opportunities connected to the company’s activities.
His position comes amid continuing public debate and political arguments surrounding Tompolo, Tantita and the distribution of opportunities arising from oil and gas surveillance activities. Reports have previously quoted Urhobo community representatives as saying that thousands of Urhobo youths and indigenes participate in Tantita operations across their communities. (Vanguard News)
Ogidigba maintained that the contributions of Tompolo should be judged beyond individual interests, arguing that even where some people have not personally benefited from Tantita, members of their families and communities have benefited from opportunities associated with the organisation.
“I have not personally benefited from Tompolo’s Tantita, but some of my kinsmen have benefited,” Ogidigba was quoted as saying, stressing that personal non-benefit should not become a reason to condemn a broader regional intervention.
He particularly declared his support for the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, an initiative associated with Tompolo’s mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The development follows the recent unveiling of the movement in Katsina State, where 34 local government coordinators were inaugurated and campaign vehicles presented as part of efforts to take the Tinubu message to the grassroots. Tompolo was represented at the event by Tantita Managing Director High Chief Kestin Pondi. (Punch Newspapers)
Ogidigba said the entire Gbeoba Community stands behind the initiative, while also commending individuals he identified as Kestin Pondi, Dr Dennis Otuaro and Ebipade Kari for their contributions to the Niger Delta.
He condemned what he described as social media blackmail and campaign of calumny against Tompolo and the other personalities, warning that destructive narratives could further deepen divisions among Ijaw leaders and communities.
The Gbeoba leader’s appeal also comes against the backdrop of Tompolo’s repeated calls for peace and unity among Niger Delta ethnic groups. In June 2026, Tompolo appealed to Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri stakeholders to avoid violence and pursue dialogue amid tensions in the Warri area. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Ogidigba therefore urged Ijaw leaders to put aside personal disagreements, political differences and individual interests and unite around issues capable of advancing the collective interest of the Ijaw people.
His message was clear: the Ijaw Nation cannot afford to destroy its own leaders while outsiders watch from the sidelines.
He called for constructive engagement, mutual respect and a united political front, arguing that the future of the Niger Delta would depend largely on the ability of its leaders to work together rather than fight one another.
Global Egberi TV Ofunama reports that the statement adds another voice to the growing debate over Tompolo’s role in Niger Delta affairs and the emerging political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Website: Global Egberi TV
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