The 2024 Amaseikumor Annual Festival concluded with great joy and significance as former militant leader in the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, famously known as Tompolo, captivated the audience in Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Tompolo, a respected traditionalist and chief priest of the Egbesu deity, revered as the god of war in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, was at the center of attention.
The festival, which spanned a week, featured a variety of cultural activities including football, boat regatta, Ijaw cultural dance competition, wrestling, and live music, culminating in a grand civic reception and traditional ceremonies led by Tompolo, the Egbesu Chief Priest.
The grand finale on Wednesday, attended by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, saw a gathering of esteemed Niger Delta traditional rulers.
Among the dignitaries present were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Senator Joel Onowakpor representing Delta South senatorial district; and Hon. Julius Pondi, a third-term member of the House of Representatives representing Burutu federal constituency.
Also in attendance were Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Office, among others.
Tompolo showcased a mesmerizing display at the main arena, leading various masquerades in their cultural dances as they paid homage to the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, His Majesty Oboro Gbaraun II, alongside monarchs from across the Niger Delta region.
Throughout the festival which started on April 12, the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation conducted free medical check-ups and treatments for the residents of Gbaramatu kingdom in Oporoza town, benefiting over 1,000 individuals.
Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, former commissioner representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, coordinated media personalities under the Ijaw Publishers Forum to cover the event.
The Amaseikumor ceremony, renowned as one of the most celebrated festivals among Ijaws in West Africa, annually attracts prominent Ijaw traditional rulers, government officials, corporate executives, and expatriates conducting business in the Ijaw nation.
Known for its longevity, the Amaseikumor Festival is considered one of Nigeria’s oldest festivals, with a renewed emphasis on leveraging this rich cultural heritage for national development through culture and tourism.
Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the Fiyewei (spokesperson) of Gbaramatu kingdom, expressed gratitude to all attendees and emphasized the values of love, peace, and unity that define Gbaramatu kingdom.
He highlighted the festival as a platform to reinforce Africa’s rich cultural heritage within the community.
The atmosphere in Gbaramatu was filled with peace and harmony throughout the festival, with notable success in environmental preservation, thanks to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and the efforts of High Chief Ekpemukpolo.
Engr. Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita, credited the restoration of the environment to the collaboration and dedication of all involved in ensuring a pollution-free environment for the first time in years.