Tompolo Biography
Tompolo Biography – Tompolo, born Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, is a former militant leader from Nigeria and once led the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). He is also a traditional religious leader, serving as the chief priest of the Egbesu deity, recognized as the war god in the Niger Delta region.
Profile
Full Name: Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo
Date of Birth: April 12, 1971
Place of Birth: Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
Parents: Thomas Ekpemupolo and Ewe Ekpemupolo
Siblings: George Ekpemupolo
Wife: Victoria Ekpemupolo
Children: Mary Ekpemupolo
Occupation: Businessman
State of Origin: Delta State, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Net Worth: Not officially estimated
Tompolo Early Life
Tompolo was born on April 12, 1971, in Warri, Delta State, into a royal family from Okerenkoko, a community in the Gbaramatu Kingdom. His father, Chief Thomas Ekpemupolo, had five wives, with Tompolo’s mother, Sologha, being the eldest. Tompolo is the only male child among his mother’s seven children. He experienced a challenging upbringing in a large polygamous household.
Tompolo Spiritual Role
Tompolo is known for his traditional beliefs and is the chief priest of the Egbesu deity, a spiritual figure associated with warfare and justice among the Niger Delta people.
Tompolo Militancy and Activism
He rose to prominence as the leader of MEND, a militant group in the Niger Delta creeks. MEND advocated for the rights of the local communities against environmental degradation and exploitation by oil companies and the federal government.
Tompolo Education
Tompolo attended Okepopo Primary School and later studied at National Comprehensive College, both in Warri. After finishing secondary school in 1993, he joined the resistance movement in the Niger Delta.
Tompolo Family Background
Tompolo was born to Thomas and Ewe Ekpemupolo. His roots are deeply tied to the royal lineage of Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
Tompolo Philanthropy
He founded the Tompolo Foundation, a non-profit focused on humanitarian services such as free healthcare, educational support, food distribution, and disaster relief in the Niger Delta.
Tompolo Political Influence
Despite his controversial past, Tompolo remains a significant political figure in the Niger Delta, known for his continued influence in the region.
Tompolo Career
He left college in 1993 to join a local resistance movement. By 1998, he had joined the Ijaw Youth Council but later switched to MEND due to dissatisfaction with the Council’s progress. Under his leadership, MEND acquired significant military resources and launched operations to demand better treatment for the Niger Delta communities.
He played a key role in the federal government’s amnesty initiative, accepting the offer in October 2009 to foster peace and development. However, in 2016, he was declared wanted over allegations of theft and money laundering. He remained in hiding until he reappeared in 2020 at his spiritual base.
Tompolo Personal Life
Tompolo is married to Victoria and has a daughter named Mary. They live in Delta State.
Tompolo Controversy
Allegations of Abandoning MEND
He faced accusations of turning his back on MEND and living lavishly. However, his media aide refuted the claims, asserting that Tompolo remained committed to improving the lives of the Niger Delta people and started the struggle on his own initiative.
Warships Controversy
In 2012, it was reported that Tompolo acquired six decommissioned warships from Norway, including the KNM Horten. The vessels were allegedly bought through a UK-based firm, CAS Global, to bypass export restrictions. These vessels were later used for maritime security under a partnership involving the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy.
Legal Issues
Under the Buhari administration, Tompolo was declared wanted over a multi-billion naira fraud. His bank accounts were frozen and properties seized by the EFCC. In 2020, he was acquitted of the charges by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
Recent Allegations
He was also accused of orchestrating renewed violence in the region, which he denied, labeling the attacks as cowardly and distancing himself from any involvement. He briefly reemerged during the EndSARS protests in October 2020 before returning to a private life.
Tompolo Net Worth
Although his net worth remains unverified, Tompolo is believed to have amassed substantial wealth during the amnesty era. Reports have linked him to luxury items, including a $13.3 million Learjet 60SE.
FAQs
Who is Tompolo?
A former militant leader and ex-commander of MEND in the Niger Delta.
Is he married?
Yes, he is married to Victoria, and they have children.
Where is he from?
Delta State, Nigeria.
How old is he?
Born on April 12, 1971.
What is his net worth?
His net worth is currently not officially determined.