Tompolo, whose real name is Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, is a well-known Niger Delta leader, businessman, and traditional priest from Nigeria. He once led the militant group MEND and now serves as the chief priest of the Egbesu deity, fighting for justice and better living conditions for his people.
| Common Name | Tompolo |
| Real Name | Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo |
| Age | 54 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1971 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Businessman, Former Militant Leader |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Tradionalist |
| Ethnicity | Ijaw |
| State of Origin | Delta |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Net Worth | $213 million |
Table of Contents
Tompolo Biography
Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, is a former militant leader, traditional priest, and businessman from Nigeria’s Niger Delta. He was born on April 12, 1971, into a royal family in Okerenkoko, a town in the Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State. His nickname “Tompolo” comes from combining his father’s name, Thomas (“Tom”) and his surname Ekpemupolo (“Polo”).
Tompolo Educational Background
Tompolo started school at Okepopo Primary School in Warri. Afterward, he attended National Comprehensive College, also in Warri. He completed his secondary education in 1993 but later dropped out of college and joined a resistance movement in the Niger Delta.
Tompolo Career
Tompolo began his activism in the early 1990s, particularly during the conflict between the Ijaw and Itsekiri people. In 1997, he became involved in the local struggle over land and oil rights. By 1998, he joined the Ijaw Youth Council and eventually rose to become a leader.
Later, he became a top commander in the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). This militant group fought against the environmental and economic injustices caused by oil companies and the Nigerian government. Tompolo and his fighters attacked oil pipelines, kidnapped foreign oil workers, and cut Nigeria’s oil production in half at one point.
He led these activities from deep inside the creeks of the Niger Delta using gunboats and guerrilla tactics. His wealth and influence allowed him to fund MEND’s missions. He later accepted the government’s amnesty deal under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and stepped back from armed resistance.
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Tompolo Awards
Tompolo was given a lucrative government contract in August 2022 under President Muhammadu Buhari to monitor oil pipelines in the Niger Delta, a sign of his continued influence.
Tompolo Controversy
Tompolo’s life has been surrounded by controversy. In 2016, the Nigerian government issued an arrest warrant for him over charges of theft and money laundering. He went into hiding and remained unseen for six years until 2020, when he reappeared at his Egbesu shrine.
At one point, he was also declared wanted for the killing of 11 soldiers, and the army raided his base but could not capture him. However, they discovered a large number of weapons.
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Tompolo Shrine
Tompolo is not just a political figure; he is also a spiritual leader. He is the chief priest of the Egbesu deity, the god of war for the Ijaw people. This deity is tied to the Woyin Religion, a native faith of the Ijaw tribe that stands for truth, fairness, and justice. His shrine is a sacred place where he connects with spiritual forces.
Tompolo Age
Tompolo was born on April 12, 1971, which makes him 54 years old as of 2025.
Tompolo Tribe
He belongs to the Ijaw tribe, one of the major ethnic groups in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
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Tompolo Personal Life
Tompolo is deeply rooted in his culture and traditions. He lives a spiritual life as a traditionalist and serves as the chief priest of his people. He is also known for being a private person, especially after his years in hiding.
Tompolo Wife
Tompolo is married to Chief Victoria Ekpemupolo. She has been seen with him at significant events, including his 50th birthday celebration, where they were photographed together with their daughter, Miss Mary.
Tompolo Children
Tompolo has at least one known daughter, Miss Mary Osen Ekpemupolo. She is recognized for her beauty and has been referred to as the “Princess of the Niger Delta”. Mary is also an author, having published a literary work titled ‘Lost’.
Tompolo Family
Tompolo was born to Chief Thomas Osen Ekpemupolo and Ewo Ekpemupolo. He comes from a royal family in Okerenkoko, within the Gbaramatu Kingdom. His family is highly respected in the Ijaw community, and they have deep cultural and traditional roots in the Niger Delta region.
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Tompolo Net Worth
Tompolo’s net worth is estimated to be around $213 million as of 2025. This wealth comes from various sources, including lucrative government contracts, such as a $103.4 million deal through his company, Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, and a N48 billion annual pipeline surveillance contract awarded by the Nigerian government.
Tompolo Social Media Handles
Tompolo is a very private person and does not have any verified social media accounts on platforms. However, there is an old Facebook account of his under the name:
- Facebook: Oweizide Ekpemupolo.