“You Once Hunted Tompolo, Now You Defend Him?” — Osia Bombs ‘General Ogunboss’ Over Boyloaf Attack

By Passman Akpos

A fresh war of words has erupted in the Niger Delta after Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela Osia launched a blistering response to comments attributed to Paul Eres, popularly known as “General Ogunboss,” over former militant commander Ebikabowei Victor Ben, alias Boyloaf, and his relationship with High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The confrontation was triggered by Ogunboss’ strongly worded attack on Boyloaf, in which he accused the former militant leader of lacking the moral authority to criticise Tompolo and warned him to stop what he described as “cyberbullying and blackmail” against Tompolo.

Ogunboss also described Boyloaf as Tompolo’s former “fuel clerk,” alleging that he was responsible for Tompolo’s fuel-related transactions.

But Osia has now turned the spotlight back on Ogunboss, raising questions about what he described as an apparent transformation in the latter’s attitude toward Tompolo.

“Where Was This Love For Tompolo Before?”

In a statement attributed to Osia, the activist alleged that individuals who previously opposed or pursued Tompolo during the Federal Government’s 2015 crackdown were now presenting themselves as his defenders.

Osia specifically accused Ogunboss of previously being involved in efforts to locate Tompolo when the former militant leader was declared wanted by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

According to Osia, the role of then-DSS Director-General Lawal Daura during that period was connected to the government’s effort to apprehend Tompolo.

Osia alleged that Ogunboss was among those who, at the time, were seeking either to apprehend or hand Tompolo over to security authorities dead or alive.

Those claims are Osia’s allegations and have not been independently established by TarakiriVoice.

Kari Ebipade Allegation

Osia also made allegations concerning Kari Ebipade, whom he described as Tompolo’s former Chief Security Officer.

He alleged that Ogunboss was involved in pursuing Ebipade into the forest during the period of heightened security operations.

Osia claimed that Ebipade sustained an injury to his right knee while fleeing through the forest and alleged that he has continued to suffer consequences from the injury.

The claim could not independently be verified from the material available to Tarakiri Voice, and Ogunboss has not been quoted responding specifically to the allegation.

The “Sudden Transformation” Question

At the centre of Osia’s attack is what he perceives as a dramatic change in Ogunboss’ public posture toward Tompolo.

The activist questioned whether the hostility of the past has now given way to public solidarity because of the enormous economic and political influence surrounding oil-security operations in the Niger Delta.

Osia’s comments come amid continuing controversy over Tantita Security Services and the influence of former militant leaders in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.

Tantita has become a major player in pipeline surveillance, while Tompolo has continued to attract both strong support from sections of the Niger Delta and criticism from activists demanding greater accountability.

Ogunboss’ Attack On Boyloaf

Ogunboss’ original statement was itself unusually aggressive.

Addressing Boyloaf, he questioned whether the former militant commander could point to any ultra-wealthy individual emerging from the Niger Delta and accused him of failing to improve the conditions of his followers.

He also warned Boyloaf against what he characterised as cyberbullying and blackmail directed at Tompolo.

In another statement attributed to Ogunboss, he described Boyloaf as Tompolo’s former fuel clerk and claimed that Boyloaf handled Tompolo’s fuel-related transactions.

The claims are attributed to Ogunboss and have not been independently verified.

Osia: “Let History Judge Everyone”

Osia’s response effectively seeks to turn Ogunboss’ attack on Boyloaf into a broader debate about the history of the Niger Delta struggle and the shifting alliances among former militants, activists and powerful economic actors.

The activist’s argument is essentially that those who once stood on opposite sides of the conflict cannot simply rewrite their historical positions because political or economic circumstances have changed.

The latest confrontation adds another layer to an increasingly bitter public dispute involving Tompolo, his supporters and critics.

Recent allegations by Osia concerning alleged unlawful detention, torture and other abuses linked to Tompolo and Tantita have also generated controversy. Those allegations remain contested and have not been established as facts by a court.

The dispute has nevertheless attracted renewed attention because a Bayelsa coroner’s proceedings concerning the death of Patrick Peresuodei recently recommended further investigation into individuals and security personnel connected with the case.

For now, the Ogunboss-Boyloaf confrontation has opened another uncomfortable question for the Niger Delta:

Are former enemies becoming allies because of changing power structures—or are they simply responding to a new political and economic reality?

Whatever the answer, the increasingly personal exchanges suggest that the battle over Tompolo’s influence, Niger Delta leadership and control of the region’s political narrative is far from over.

TarakiriVoice will continue to report verified developments and provide the right of reply to individuals named in allegations.