Tompolo Intervenes in Warri Delineation Crisis, Calls for Calm as Protests Hit Oil Facilities

Former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has intervened in the Warri ward delineation crisis, calling for calm as protests at oil facilities threaten production in Delta State.

Premium Times reported that Tompolo convened an emergency meeting of stakeholders and appealed to youths in Warri South and Warri North local government areas to sheath their swords and allow dialogue to take its course.

“I am appealing to our youths to remain calm and allow peace to reign. The issue of ward delineation can be resolved through dialogue, not violence. We cannot afford to destroy our own oil facilities,” Tompolo said.

The crisis stems from a dispute over the creation of new wards in the Warri Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 elections. The disagreement has led to clashes between Ijaw and Itsekiri youth groups and triggered protests that have temporarily shut down at least 12 oil flow stations in the area.

Tompolo’s intervention raises the political stakes in the dispute. As a major Niger Delta figure with significant influence over regional youth groups, his call for calm is seen as a critical step toward de-escalation.

The Warri delineation issue has been a source of tension for weeks, with the Supreme Court-ordered boundary review creating fresh disputes over ward allocations.

Sources: Premium Times, DailyReport, ThisDay