High Chief Ekpemupolo Oweizide Alias Tompolo: A portrait of a devoted Spiritual leader and divine messenger of Woyin.

© Bodmas Prince Kemepadei, Chairman, ICHC.

*Early Life*

The real account of Tompolo's early life remains unfolded, it will be fictional to begin in a chronological order of the events surrounding his early life but rigorous research reveals that a lot is not known about his birth and childhood, but oral tales opine that his birth is shrouded in mystery. 

The name TOMPOLO is a patronym, derived from the prefix  "Tho-mas" and the suffix of "Ekpemu-polo", the names of his father. His real names are said to be Oweizide Ekpemupolo with the title of a High chief.

Through hints, Tompolo has exhibited a profound connection to his cultural roots and spirituality. The rich traditions and beliefs of his ancestors define his birth, unlike others who gave account of his childhood that he prioritized listening to stories of the past and learning about the significance of nature and the spiritual world, we are convinced that his early life and background were beyond mortal comprehension. 

*Journey to Spiritual Leadership*

In his encounter before fame,  Tompolo experienced a series of transformative events, including the battles of harsh economic tides, injustice, marginalization, displacement and despair but he found fortitude and fortune as fate was believed to be orchestrated by the divine. All these encounters shaped a spiritual quest in him to understand life's mysteries and the deeper meanings behind suffering and loss. He sought guidance through his connection with his ancestors, immersing himself in the teachings of traditional Ijaw spirituality, which emphasized balance, community, and respect for the Divine as well as other all living creatures.

His dedication and insight led him to become a disciple of Egbesu-Woyin worship, an Ijaw belief system that recognizes the existence of God as feminine and administrator of the universe manifesting in different forms.

Known to the ancestral spirits, Tompolo flourished in service. Under a series of manifestations and revelation, Tompolo deepened his understanding of divination, worship, healing practices, and the importance of ancestral veneration.

*Rise as a Divine Messenger*

Tompolo became popular in his participation in the crusade to emancipate the subjugated people of Niger Delta, what is  today reffered to as a "HOLY WAR" by scholars of Religion.

Since his arrival into social emancipation movements, he has been involved in several African Religion Renaissance cause to awaken the spiritual consciousness of Africans in the Niger Delta region.

He has since positioned himself as the Spiritual head of the Ijaw ethnic nationality organizing the indigenous belief and serving as high priest of the popular Bini-Ebi deity, an animism belief associated with veneration of the ocean.

He has also gathered millions of disciples spread across the region, periodically he hosts indigenous religious programmes teaching the way of African traditional religion.

With this title, he began to embody his role as a messenger, bridging the gap between the spiritual and physical realms. Tompolo's teachings emphasized harmony with nature, the importance of community, and the quest for inner peace.

His charismatic presence and ability to connect with people from all walks of life allowed him to gather a diverse followership. He established spiritual gatherings where individuals sought guidance, healing, and wisdom. Tompolo is known for his open-heartedness, often encouraging interfaith dialogues and community service initiatives to foster understanding and compassion among different belief systems.

*Legacy and Impact*

However, the essence of life is to impact society and create a good legacy which is a Hallmark of Tompolo's story. 

Vividly, on the 13th of February 2024, Tompolo made a public declaration while celebrating an unusual 119th birthday in the sacred temple of Saimuzu bou - an ancient deity of the Gbaranmatu people located in the heart of the forest, stating that his birthday should only be celebrated in the forest of the Aziza deity, relating his birth to approval of the divine. He further added that his mother made a vow before the deity which led to his conception into this world.

" Now you can all bear witness that this Aziza forest is where i came from, when Tombra father was the priest of AZIZA, my mother came here knelt down and wept unto this forest, that's why i have come, that's why no man can kill me even if they all gather against me. The spirits you all serve are approval of Aziza, you boast that you have powers in your shrines, but who is more powerful than Aziza? - the king of the dead, the giver of life and messenger of death, Aziza words are authority on earth, he speaks and it's final, he is the one in this forest " Excerpts of Tompolo's spoken words in Ijaw language translated to English.

This declaration opened a new chapter to understanding the personality of Tompolo, it indicates that his participation in the crusade for the emancipation of Niger Delta was a Holy act especially since it was fought in the name of the divine (EGBESU), this was the first time he had publicly spoken of himself.

Tompolo's statement depicts him as an incarnate of the AZIZA deity suggesting that the deity has reincarnated and manifested as Tompolo.

Throughout his life, Tompolo has dedicated himself to the revival and preservation of the Ijaw spiritual traditions. He has inspired several teachings exploring themes of spirituality, identity, and healing, and his teachings have resonated not only in Ijaw land but across the African diaspora. 

Tompolo continues to serve as a guiding light for many, reminding them of the power of ancestral wisdom and the importance of living in harmony with oneself and the world. Today, he is celebrated as a beacon of hope, a divine messenger, and a devoted leader in the revitalization of the Ijaw and in a broader terms;  African spiritual practices. 

Until this moment, Tompolo remains committed to nurturing future

generations of spiritual leaders, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Ijaw spirituality continues to thrive in a modern world.

Aside his fascinating religious impacts, Tompolo has been able to create a nitch for himself in the world of conflict management, business, philanthropy, education and other aspect of societal endeavors. 

He has tremendously touch the lives of many through his humanitarian services by the Tompolo foundation, Izon cultural heritage Centre and several other gestures that have played an electrifying role to bring joy to the faces of many, as well as brought succour to the downtrodden and hopeless. 

As a Honorary Doctorate holder, Chairman of the leading Tantita Security Service Nigeria Limited, an Extraordinary Philanthropist and Recipients of Several International/ indigenous peace awards. Tompolo has earned the rank of the many accolades he receives from society despite words from naysayers. His commitment and resolve for humanity have placed him in the minds  of millions of people who he stands to be a symbol of hope, an embodiment of love and a perfect definition of an ideal man. 

© A publication of the Izon cultural heritage Centre (ICHC).

® The Author of this piece reserves every right, plagiarism, copying or using excerpts without reference or author's permission will amount to serious consequences.