Akpata and Ajelebe Are ‘In and Belong to’ Omadino Community -Chief Priest Yomere

Leaders of Omadino community have reaffirmed that Akpata, located in Warri South-West, and Ajelebe, in Warri South Local Government Area, are not disputed territories but long-established settlements under the Omadino community, traditionally overseen by the Olu of Warri.

Addressing a joint press briefing, Roland Yomere, chief priest of the community stressed that these settlements are more than just geographical areas but are vital to the heritage and history of the Omadino people. He dismissed recent suggestions to the contrary and drew attention to a misleading video that allegedly depicted an attack on Akpata on Sunday, May 25, 2025. According to Yomere, the attack carried out by Gbaramatu youths occurred in Ajelebe in Warri-South, not Akpata as reported.

Yomere linked the recurring attacks particularly those of December 3rd, 9th, and 20th, 2024 to attempts to assert external control over these oil-rich areas. Yomere named operatives from pipeline surveillance company, Tantita Security Services owned by ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo as being involved. He also identified an individual, Silas Uluba, seen in the footage allegedly tied to the incidents and suggested that these actions may be influenced by Tompolo.

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The Omadino community also rejected what it called a “false historical narrative” by some Ijaw individuals claiming to be executives of Akpata in an earlier press conference who alleged that Akpata belongs to the Gbaramatu Kingdom.

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Yomere challenged these claims and demanded that evidence be presented. He clarified that Akpata is a recognized Omadino settlement, and due to its status, it does not have its own community leadership structure.

Yomere revealed that the Omadino community has petitioned both government and security agencies for urgent action to address the situation and protect their land.

Also speaking at the pressing briefing, Monoyo Edon, General Secretary, Warri Indigenous People’s Movement, WIPM linked the recent attack to Tompolo’s viral unguarded statement about Omadino’s ownership. He further alleged that these actions are linked to the recent INEC proposed ward delineation exercise. Edon added that these actions are aimed at manipulating electoral boundaries by misclassifying Itsekiri lands as Ijaw-dominated areas.