In a rare and culturally profound gathering, the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on Tuesday led Ijaw monarchs and traditional leaders in a large thanksgiving ceremony at the historic Gbaraun Egbesu Temple in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
The event, steeped in deep spiritual symbolism, drew monarchs from Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, and Ondo states, many of whom had just returned from a sacred pilgrimage.
The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, led the procession of traditional rulers into the revered temple.
The thanksgiving, held in honour of Egbesu, the warrior deity of the Ijaw people, attracted dignitaries, elders, youths, cultural custodians, and sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation.
The event was described as a moment of unity and cultural revival for the Ijaw ethnic nationality, marking renewed commitment to peace in the Niger Delta.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tompolo, widely regarded as a stabilising force in the oil-rich region, emphasised the centrality of traditional institutions in sustaining peace amid the Niger Delta’s socio-political complexities.
According to him, “This land has suffered for far too long, and it is time for us to continue working together for the prosperity of our people, ensuring that the blessings of our ancestors are not in vain.”
He reaffirmed his dedication to the peace process, noting that his interventions would continue “as long as they benefit the Niger Delta and Nigeria.”
In his address, Pere Oboro Gbaraun II expressed deep appreciation to the gods for the peace gradually returning to the region after decades of conflict and agitation.
“Today is a day of thanksgiving, a day to celebrate our culture, our traditions, and most importantly, to give thanks for the blessings we have received,” the monarch said.
Also present was the Registrar of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, among other distinguished guests, underscored the event’s significance and urged for more prayers for peace in Ijawland.
The Gbaraun Egbesu Temple, a legendary spiritual sanctuary in the heart of Gbaramatu Kingdom, has long served as a symbol of divine protection for the Ijaw people. Known for its role during major cultural rites such as the Amasiekumor festival, the temple has remained a centre of religious unity and communal resilience.
Tuesday’s ceremony featured traditional dances, drumming, chants, and solemn prayers as elders invoked blessings for peace, progress, and development across the Niger Delta.
Youths also played active roles, reinforcing the call to preserve Ijaw culture and uphold ancestral values.
Speakers at the event called for deeper unity, stronger cooperation, and increased government investment in the region’s infrastructure and human capital. They urged federal and state authorities to create opportunities that would empower the next generation of Ijaw youths.
The thanksgiving ended with renewed pledges of support for the people of the Niger Delta and President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as leaders vowed to work toward a peaceful and economically thriving region.
