Tompolo Net Worth, Biography, Militancy and Activism

Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo better known as Tompolo is a retired militant and warlord. Read further for detailed information about Tompolo Net Worth and Biography.

The mid-2000s was a period of a battle between the Nigeria Government and the militant group. The group was called the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) which was spearheaded by Tompolo.

The tussle was a nightmare for the oil industry, the people of Delta State, and the Nigeria Government. The vandalization of oil pipelines installation and kidnapping of expatriates and top officials became the news of the day.

As a result of this, He was the most wanted man in the region making him a must-accomplished task for the Nigerian military.

Tompolo Net Worth

The former warlord is a billionaire. Tompolo Net Worth is estimated to be over a billion naira following his dealings with the Nigerian Government and several business ventures. There are reports that he was involved in oil bunkering which he dismissed being a part of as he described it as a shady business.

In addition, he is on the payroll of the Nigeria Government as part of the amnesty program.

Also, read Sanyeri Net Worth.

Who Is Tompolo?

Tompolo was born to a royal family, the Okerenoko family on the 12th of April, 1971. He is the only son, the fifth child of the seven children his mother had. Also, he is a native of the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta state where he is a high chief and the Chief Priest of the Egbesu deity.

He attended Okepopo Primary School in Warri for his primary education.

Tompolo Biography
Full Name	Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo
Date of Birth	12 April 1971
Age	51 (2022)
Father	Thomas Ekpemukpolo
Mother	Ewo Ekpemukpolo
Place of Birth	Warri, Nigeria
Net Worth	N 1,000,000,000+
Known for	Activism and Militancy

Tompolo: A Militant and Activist

Tompolo is one of the individuals dissatisfied with how the Government is steering the affairs region despite being the largest depot of Crude oil.

He became a voice against the Government’s negligence to the degradation of their environment and the unfair share of the gains accrued from the sale of crude oil allocated to his state.

He began his journey in activism and militancy in 1993 when he joined a resistance group after deciding to drop out of school. Furthermore, he became a member of the Ijaw Youth Council in 1998.

However, he left the group abruptly owing to their passive participation in fighting for the issues challenging the region.

He was also part of the tussle between the Itsekiri and the Ijaw community as an Ijaw soldier.

MEND

Thereafter, he joined the Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and was very active. He soon rose in ranks to be the commander and led with courage. He was one of the reasons the group was a success as he financed the logistics and the procurement of ammunition.

During his administration, Tompolo was always seeking allies, especially other militant groups thereby increasing the forces and becoming unstoppable. One of his allies was Mujahid Dokubo—Asari, the leader of the Nigeria Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF) who he helped in 2005.

Consequently, the two merged under one umbrella – MEND and became a powerful force together.

Tompolo and his gang wreak havoc in the Niger Delta Region, they were famously known for vandalization of oil pipelines, piracy, oil bunkering, and kidnapping of government officials and non-native oil workers.

Consequently, they frustrate the operations of the oil companies like Shell, Chevron, and their counterparts in the region. The Nigeria Military was charged with the task to curtail the activities of the group as they gradually became a menace in the eyes of the Nigeria Government.

This led to an occasional riot between the military and the militant groups, they once had a battle in the creeks of Gbaramtu claiming the lives of 11 soldiers and some members of the militant group as well.

Over the years, Tompolo became an influential member of the Niger Delta Region, he financed most militant groups in the community and was a convener of some too.

In addition, He became involved in the Niger Delta political affairs as he was revered by many thereby making politicians and powerful figures looked up to him for favors.

Also, read George Akuffo Biography.

Amnesty

In 2009, the administration of the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua called for peace. To salvage the situation from impending doom, an amnesty program was set up which Tompolo accepted.

The amnesty program entails the establishment of developmental projects in the Niger Delta Region, amelioration of the degraded environment, provision of employment for the members of the region, pardon, and establishment of the ex-militants.

Tompolo became a free man and a friend of the Government from the moment he embraced amnesty. His relationship with the Nigeria Government became stronger. Also, he became richer under the auspice of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The Government struck a multi-billion deal worth $ 10.4 Billion with Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, GWSL, an establishment owned by Tompolo. The firm was given the job of supplying 20 vessels for combat and security of the waterways by the military.

This move angered the northerner leaders who accused the former president of tribalism as he and Tompolo were from the same region.

Tompolo wanted again

The relationship with the Nigerian Government became sour again under the administration of President Muhammad Buhari. He was allegedly accused of using his company as a front for illegal dealings and accused of N34 billion fraud in connection with Nigeria Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He was charged with theft and money laundering by the Economic Financial and Crime Commission (EFCC). An arrest warrant was issued based on the aforementioned charges and a manhunt for him was launched.

This made the agency freeze his bank accounts and seized many of his properties. However, Tompolo did not honor any of the court summonses and the hunt for his capture was in vain.

Interestingly, the federal court on the 15 of July 2020 gave the verdict that vindicate Tompolo making him free from all charges leveled against him.

Tompolo Appeared

However, he mysteriously appeared for the first time in six years on October 19, 2020, amidst the ongoing ENDSARS protest.

He was present at the Egbesu Shrine in Oporozoa in his native home, Gbamaturu, Delta state. He was pictured with fellow worshippers and friends having a good time.

Before his mysterious appearance, all the efforts of the military troops to capture him were to no avail.

Also, read Father Joe Carroll’s Biography.

Parents

Tompolo’s mother is Ewo Ekpemupolo while his father Late High Chief Thomas Ekpemuoplo is a significant member of the Ijaw Tribe Community.

Properties

There is not so much about the properties owned by Tompolo. However, we know that his headquarters base, Camp 5 is located at his native home. He also owns a private jet, Learjet 60SE which cost N 2.12 Billion. He also has several mansions across states in the country.

Tompolo Foundation

Tompolo Foundation is a philanthropic organization set up for the people of the Niger Delta by Tompolo. The foundation is an NGO responsible for offering humanitarian services to the people of the Niger Delta Region.

They offer free medical services, food, provision of educational materials, provision of relief of materials for the victims of natural disasters, and many more.

Summary of Tompolo Net Worth

There is no way we would discuss militancy in Nigeria without mentioning Tomopolo. Tompolo is a fierce guerilla soldier though his physique might suggest otherwise. He was at the forefront of the most destructive acts of the militants.

He was revered by some as a mighty warrior and a liberator while some considered his heroism despicable. It was a great relief as he accepted amnesty thereby causing normalcy to be restored to the working operations of the oil industry.

However, his present life is devoid of peace as he is constantly haunted by the Buhari Administration.

Before you go, read Bimbo Ademoye’s Biography.