Tompolo, Tantita Security Services Should Be Grateful to Urhobo Nation – Omajemite

Is Tompolo and his Tantita Security Services truly doing the Urhobo nation a favour by employing over 3,500 Urhobo youths under the federal pipeline surveillance contract?

That narrative—largely pushed by some Ijaw commentators—is not only misleading but deeply insulting to the dignity of the Urhobo people.

TJ News Nigeria can authoritatively report that tension is brewing quietly across Urhobo youth platforms following repeated claims that Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, is doing the Urhobos a favour.

The reality is this: the Urhobo Nation has done more favour to Tantita Security Services than it has received.

Tantita Operates in Urhobo Territory—With Urhobo Permission

Let the truth be said without emotion: Urhobo land is not Ijaw land. The pipelines being guarded in Ughelli, Udu, Ethiope, and other parts of Delta State lie squarely in Urhobo territories. No surveillance activity could succeed there without the peaceful cooperation and approval of Urhobo youths and traditional leadership structures.

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If the Urhobo youths were not committed to peace and regional collaboration, there is no way an Ijaw-led security outfit like Tantita would be allowed to operate freely and recruit thousands of locals. The prevailing peace is a sign of Urhobo maturity, not weakness.

If It’s a Favour, Withdraw the Jobs

If Tompolo and Tantita genuinely believe they are doing the Urhobo nation a favour, then they are free to terminate the employment of all 3,500 Urhobo youths immediately. Let them attempt to secure Urhobo pipelines with only Ijaw youths and observe the outcome.

This is not a threat but a reality check. The notion that Ijaw alone can enforce surveillance across ethnic territories in the Niger Delta without local input is a dangerous delusion.

Urhobos Are Accommodating—But Not Powerless

Let it be made clear that the Ijaws, Tompolo, and Tantita Security Services should be grateful to the Urhobo Nation and other ethnic nationalities in the region. The current arrangement is a political concession, not a birthright. No one owns the Niger Delta alone.

The Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) youth wing, despite its internal disagreements with other Urhobo youth groups, has largely embraced peace and allowed collaboration for regional stability. That restraint should not be taken for granted.

A Call for Mutual Respect, Not Tribal Superiority

Tompolo must be advised to caution those claiming superiority on his behalf. Statements implying that Ijaw people or Tantita Security Services are doing others favours are the kind that breed ethnic resentment and eventually threaten regional peace.

 

The Niger Delta needs unity, not rivalry. But unity must be based on mutual respect, not manipulation or tribal entitlement. The Urhobo people are watching, and while they continue to support peace and development, they must not be taken for granted.

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Omajemite Don
Political Analyst
Writes from Sapele, Delta State