Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, widely recognized by his alias Tompolo, stands as a significant figure in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region
Tompolo: His life journey encompasses a remarkable transformation from a formidable militant leader to a highly influential businessman, a spiritual guide, and a fervent advocate for the advancement of his community. Rooted deeply within the Ijaw ethnic group, Tompolo’s name resonates with activism, traditional leadership, and his crucial role in safeguarding oil pipelines within the volatile region.
This comprehensive biographical account delves into the multifaceted aspects of Tompolo’s life, exploring his familial ties, his offspring, his estimated financial worth, his diverse business endeavors, his deeply held religious convictions, and his considerable political sway within Nigeria’s oil-rich territory.
Born on April 12, 1971, in Okerenkoko, a significant community situated within the oil-producing Gbaramatu Kingdom of the Warri South-West Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria, Tompolo’s early life was steeped in the traditions of his people. His lineage traces back to the esteemed Okerenkoko Royal Family, granting him a noble heritage within his community.
His parents, Thomas Ekpemupolo and Ewo Ekpemupolo, were both well-respected members of their society. Notably, Tompolo holds the distinction of being the sole male child among his seven siblings, a familial position that would later significantly shape his responsibilities and influence within both his family and the broader public sphere.
Tompolo’s formal education commenced at Okepopo Primary School in Warri, followed by his enrollment at Warri National Comprehensive College. However, his academic pursuits were significantly altered by a growing awareness of the injustices and marginalization experienced by his people in the Niger Delta.
In 1993, driven by a profound sense of injustice and a commitment to the movement for resource control and environmental justice, he made the pivotal decision to abandon formal education.
This choice marked the inception of a transformative journey that would ultimately see him emerge as one of the most influential and pivotal figures in the Niger Delta struggle for equity and recognition.
In the early years of the 21st century, Tompolo ascended to national prominence as a key commander within the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
This militant organization arose as a direct response to the decades of environmental degradation, pervasive poverty, and systemic neglect endured by the oil-producing communities at the hands of the Nigerian government and multinational corporations operating in the region. Tompolo’s leadership was instrumental in bringing a sense of organization, strategic direction, and cohesive coordination to MEND’s diverse activities.
Under his command, the group executed numerous attacks on vital oil installations, engaged in the kidnapping of expatriate oil workers, and strategically disrupted oil production as a powerful means of protesting against the entrenched systemic marginalization of their communities. At the zenith of the militancy, the Nigerian government viewed Tompolo as a significant threat to national security.
Conversely, for the people of the Niger Delta, he was widely regarded as a courageous freedom fighter and a potent symbol of their collective resistance against oppression and neglect.
A significant turning point in the Niger Delta conflict occurred in 2009 when the Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, introduced the Presidential Amnesty Program. This initiative was specifically designed with the aim of bringing an end to the widespread hostilities that had plagued the region for years.
Tompolo played a crucial and instrumental role in ensuring the success of this ambitious program, effectively persuading thousands of fighters under his influence to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace and reconciliation. His personal decision to accept the amnesty offer and withdraw from armed militancy marked a profound turning point in his own life trajectory. This pivotal moment saw him transition from a figure of militant activism to one deeply engaged in entrepreneurial pursuits and dedicated to advocating for the needs and development of his community.
Following the amnesty program, Tompolo embarked on a new chapter by establishing Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. This private security firm specializes in providing crucial pipeline surveillance and safeguarding vital oil assets within the Niger Delta region. In a significant development in 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria awarded Tantita a multi-billion naira contract with the mandate to secure critical oil pipelines throughout the Niger Delta.
This award sparked considerable national debate, with many questioning the government’s decision to entrust such a sensitive role to a former militant leader. However, under Tompolo’s astute leadership, Tantita Security Services has demonstrably achieved significant success in curbing the pervasive issues of oil theft and illegal bunkering activities that had long plagued the region.
The operations undertaken by Tantita are now widely recognized as being of vital importance to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to restore its oil production capacity and mitigate the substantial economic losses incurred due to the rampant crude oil theft.
In alignment with his extensive security operations, Tompolo has made substantial investments in a diverse array of maritime assets. Reports indicate that his company, Tantita Security Services, has acquired several technologically advanced patrol vessels, including decommissioned warships that have been specifically adapted for private security purposes. Among the most notable acquisitions is a Norwegian-built naval vessel, formerly known as KNM Horten, which was decommissioned by the Norwegian Navy.
This formidable warship, now an integral part of Tantita’s fleet, plays a crucial role in patrolling Nigeria’s strategically important oil-producing waterways and actively combating illegal oil activities that undermine the nation’s economy. This robust fleet significantly bolsters Tantita’s operational capabilities and further underscores Tompolo’s considerable influence within the critical oil security sector of Nigeria.
Beyond his significant business and political engagements, Tompolo maintains deep roots in the traditional beliefs and spiritual practices of his people. He holds the esteemed position of chief priest of the Egbesu shrine, a highly revered spiritual institution within the Ijaw community. Egbesu is traditionally considered the god of justice and war, holding a central place in the cultural and spiritual identity of the Niger Delta people
His shrine, nestled within the creeks, historically served as a vital spiritual hub for militants, where they would perform essential rituals seeking protection and divine favor before engaging in battles. Some adherents even claimed that the spiritual power of Egbesu bestowed upon them supernatural abilities, including invulnerability to bullets. Tompolo’s prominent shrine in Oporoza, Delta State, continues to function as an important religious and cultural center, serving as a venue for significant rituals, traditional meetings, and crucial community consultations.
Although the shrine was once the target of a raid by security forces during a period when Tompolo was being actively sought, it has since remained a powerful symbol of his enduring spiritual authority. His role as a respected spiritual leader further elevates his standing among his people, who view him as a vital custodian of Ijaw heritage and a steadfast defender of their ancestral rights and traditions.
While known for maintaining a degree of privacy regarding his personal life, Tompolo is married to Victoria Ekpemupolo, who hails from the Niger Delta region. Their union has been blessed with children, including both sons and daughters, although specific details about his offspring are largely kept out of the public eye. His family life, in general, is maintained with a focus on privacy, though it is known that his father was a local chief in Okerenkoko, and his mother was a market trader who significantly influenced his early life. He also has several siblings, some of whom have reportedly been involved in his security operations. One of his daughters, Mary Ekpemupolo, has gained public recognition as an author, penning the book “Lost Innocence: A Journey Through Abuse and Deception.” Her emergence in the literary world represents a shift towards intellectual contributions within his family.
In 2022, another of his daughters garnered public attention with her lavish wedding, an event that highlighted Tompolo’s considerable wealth and influence, attended by prominent politicians and former militant leaders.
