Kantu, Ijaghala communities reject Tompolo’s Ijaw claim, affirm Itsekiri identity

June 18, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Indigenes of Kantu and Ijaghala communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have rejected claims by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, that they are part of the Ijaw nation.

The communities, under the overlordship of the Olu of Warri, assert their Itsekiri identity and warn against attempts to annex their lands.

“We totally reject the traditional history put forth by the second set of defendants (the Ijaw) tracing their descendants from Ijo from the Middle East,” the communities stated in a press conference.

Comrade Amorighoye J. Eyengho, Youth Secretary of Ijaghala community, and Commandant Amas David Amojor, Chairman of Kantu National Development Union (KNDU), who signed the statement, described Tompolo’s claims as “false and laughable.”

According to the communities, Kantu is owned by Omadino, one of the aboriginal Itsekiri communities under Warri Kingdom.

“Kantu community exists on land bequeathed to the children of Abiloro of Omadino,” they stated.

The communities also pointed out that Oweizibiri, allegedly claimed to be the founder of Kantu, was actually married to Erenbo, a daughter of Abiloro, and did not found the community.

The communities have court judgments in their favor, including a Supreme Court judgment that recognized them as Itsekiri communities under the Olu of Warri’s overlordship.

“The ownership of Gbaramatu, including Oporaza, Kantu, and Ijaghala, has long been settled in favor of the Ugborodo and Omadino communities,” they stated.

The communities have also expressed concerns over the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, alleging that the company’s actions have transcended the scope of their contract, leading to the invasion of communities, arrest, and detention of youths and women.

“We strongly urge the National Security Adviser to take immediate action and caution Tompolo and the Gbaramatu Ijaw,” the communities urged.

“We will resist any attempt to re-gazette an illegality,” the communities warned, adding that they would not be intimidated by threats of violence.

“A stitch in time saves nine,” they cautioned, urging the authorities to take proactive steps to prevent conflict.