Tompolo Inciting Ethnic Tensions, Misleading the Public -Group

The Warri Concerned Youths for Peace group has accused Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo of exacerbating tensions in Warri over the recent shutdown of the Ogidigben oil facility by Itsekiri protesters.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group criticized Tompolo’s denial of involvement in the protest, which led to the temporary shutdown of a 28,000-barrel-per-day crude oil facility in Ogidigben, Delta State. The facility, which was previously operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), is now managed by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings.

The youth group described Tompolo’s comments as “cowardly” and argued that his refusal to acknowledge the role of his security operations in the incident undermines his leadership credentials. They also called for the Federal Government to reassess his security contract in the Niger Delta region.

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“The protest, while driven by concerns over the INEC’s ward delineation exercise, has been further complicated by Tompolo’s actions. His refusal to acknowledge the role of his operations in the matter is irresponsible and only serves to exacerbate an already delicate situation.” Spokesperson for the group, Comr. Tuasor Eyekpimi said.

The protest, which took place on 8 April 2025, was organized by itsekiri communities who are protesting what they see as an unjust electoral boundary adjustment in the Warri Federal Constituency. The protesters, including men, women, and youths, blocked the facility to demand fair political inclusion and proper ward delineation.

The group also condemned attempts by Tompolo and his associates to inject ethnic narratives into the protest. They argue that the protest is not about ethnicity but about ensuring that Itsekiri communities are properly represented in the electoral process.

“The Supreme Court’s position on the exercise is clear, and INEC has filed an affidavit in support of the process,” Eyekpimi added. “Certain individuals are trying to sow division for their own interests.”

Local community leaders and rights activists have similarly criticized the introduction of ethnic rhetoric, which they believe distracts from the core issue of political representation.