‘Tompolo Wants His People Everywhere’—Group Claims Abuja Ijaw Kingship Row Is Part of Wider Power Play

By Passman Akpos

ABUJA, Nigeria – A fresh controversy has emerged within the Ijaw community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Northern Nigeria following conflicting claims over the traditional leadership of the ethnic group, with a coalition identifying itself as the South-Wing Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (South-Wing MEND) accusing Rowland Ekpemupolo of attempting to create division through an alleged claim to the traditional stool.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Momos Wilberforce, and Secretary, Rt. Hon. Unyeowaji Patterson Gabriel, the group condemned what it described as the alleged “impersonation” of the King-Elect of Ijaws in Abuja and Northern Nigeria by Rowland Ekpemupolo, who they identified as a younger brother of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

According to the statement, the development has generated growing concern among Ijaw people both in the FCT, Northern Nigeria and the Niger Delta, with the group warning that the situation could fuel unnecessary tension and disunity within the ethnic nationality.

The organisation maintained that HRH Dr. Selky Kile Toroughedi Eyewei V, also known as “General Young Shall Grow,” remains the recognised traditional leader of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the FCT and Northern Nigeria, popularly referred to as the “Saraki-Ijaw.”

South-Wing MEND claimed that the emergence of HRH Dr. Selky Kile Toroughedi Eyewei V followed due process, consultations and years of sacrifice, adding that he enjoys recognition from the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers as well as traditional institutions across Northern Nigeria.

The group alleged that any parallel declaration of another king amounts to an attempt to undermine established traditional structures and warned that such actions could destabilise the unity of the Ijaw community.

“We respect High Chief Government Oweizidei Ekpemupolo and those close to him should also respect others,” the statement said, while urging all parties to uphold peace, mutual respect and unity among Ijaw people.

South-Wing MEND further alleged that some individuals were attempting to use influence and financial power to take over traditional leadership institutions, insisting that leadership should be based on due process rather than personal interests.

The group called on those it described as “coup plotters” to abandon actions capable of causing crisis and appealed to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) to intervene by calling those involved to order.

Meanwhile, a congratulatory poster circulating on social media has announced Rowland Ekpemupolo as the “King-Elect of Ijaws in Abuja/Northern Region Kingdom,” praising his emergence as a symbol of visionary leadership and expressing hope that his reign would promote peace, unity and development among Ijaws in the region

The development has exposed apparent divisions within sections of the Ijaw community regarding the traditional leadership structure in Abuja and Northern Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Rowland Ekpemupolo nor High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) had publicly responded to the allegations contained in the South-Wing MEND statement. Likewise, there has been no official statement from the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers regarding the competing claims.

The dispute is expected to attract further attention from stakeholders within the Ijaw nation as calls grow for dialogue aimed at preserving peace, unity and respect for traditional institutions.