“In Rivers State, Our Son Siminalayi Fubara will return and sit on the Throne” – Tompolo

On April 12, 2025, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, marked his 54th birthday with a lavish celebration that also served as a platform for bold political declarations.

The former freedom fighter and influential Niger Delta activist used the occasion to send a strong warning to his political opponents, saying, “If you try Bayelsa State, you will suffer.” He also voiced unwavering support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, proclaiming, “Our son Fubara will return and reclaim his position in Rivers State.”

A photo shared by Port Harcourt Socials showed Tompolo addressing a crowd against a backdrop that read: “Father Ibemo-Wonwei, Ibemo-Ire Opufere, Aziza Pere, King of the World”—a title reflecting his high regard among the Ijaw people, Bayelsa’s dominant ethnic group. The Ijaw, known for their rich cultural heritage, have deep roots in the Niger Delta, with a history steeped in fishing, farming, and seafaring.

Tompolo’s remarks come amid rising political tensions in the Niger Delta, a region vital to Nigeria’s oil industry, contributing 30–40% of national output as of 2015. His comments followed Governor Fubara’s recent move to Bayelsa after a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025—a development seen as part of the ongoing political rift between Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike.

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