Tompolo's Biography: Real Name, Age, Wife, Family, Net Worth

Tompolo’s Biography: Real Name, Age, Family, Early Life, Net Worth

Whenever the history of Nigeria is being discussed, there are times when issues about the Niger Delta are covered. If discussions about politics and militancy arise in this case, one name that will ring a bell in everyone’s mind is Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, a name everyone uses.

This man is a legend whose work in the history of Nigeria will not easily be forgotten, at least by the people who lived to see the impact he made, especially in the Niger Delta region.
His story is what we want to look at today, and trust me, it’s something that you don’t want to miss.

Table of Contents

Tompolo’s Real Name

Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, who is also known as Tompolo by people in Nigeria, is a figure who was born into a royal family on the 12th of April 1971 in the rural and rugged city of the Niger Delta, a town, despite its riches, faces poverty and different forms of neglect from the government.

The city was a very rugged one. It’s as if everyone is running a rat race where only the survival of the fittest prevails, a situation that can be particularly challenging in some cases.
Tompolo can be considered lucky because he was born into a royal family that has not only connections but also a strong tie to the traditions of his people.

Tompolo’s Age

Tompolo was born into a royal family on the 12th of April 1971 in the rural and rugged city of the Niger Delta, a town, despite its riches, faces poverty and different forms of neglect from the government. As of 2025, he is 54 years old

Beginning of Militancy and Activism

When the early 1990s rolled in, Tompolo made a big decision. One that would change his life and that of his people. He left the school he attended at the time and joined the resistance group in his city. As the years passed by, he didn’t give up. Instead, he continued fighting for his people, pushing for their rights. In 1998, he joined the Ijaw Youth Council, an organisation that sought justice for the Ijaw people.

Tompolo continued to strive and fight for justice even as he attained a new position of leadership among the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), a movement dedicated to seeing Niger Delta indigents get the things they deserve.

When he was in power under MEND, he made some big moves: organised attacks on oil facilities, and also engaged in kidnapping. After the government saw all that was happening, it had no choice but to step in, preventing the situation from worsening.

Amnesty and Change of Role

After the Nigerian government had seen all the damage that had been done, it had no choice but to make a corrective move: the establishment of an amnesty program for militants.
The program’s simple premise is that you surrender your weapon in exchange for peace and government training. Tompolo accepted the offer, marking a new beginning in his life. He became a businessman.

Business Ventures and Contracts

A man who was once known as a militant just suddenly became a businessman, shocking everyone while at the same time securing different contracts from the government. Some of the contracts he handled: providing security for pipelines and protecting waterways from theft and vandalism.

Through these endeavours, he amassed a substantial amount of money, which he then invested in various forms of investment, ultimately becoming one of the wealthiest men in the history of the Niger Delta.

Legal Issues and Year in Hiding

Tompolo was arrested in 2016 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They issued an arrest warrant for him because they thought he was involved in corruption and money laundering. Tompolo didn’t give in; he just disappeared, moving away from the spotlight and going into hiding. He was spotted at his traditional shrine. He would later come back after years of going into hiding.

Return to the Public

The legend was fully back in 2022, securing big contracts from the government under Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Some people were not happy about this. So, they criticised him. Others saw this as a mere recognition of the influence he had made back in the bad old days.

Tompolo’s Wife

The life of Tompolo was simple; he followed nothing but his tradition. He was also a chief priest to his people. He is married to Victoria Ekpemupolo, who has been with him at various events. They currently have one known daughter, popularly known as Miss Mary.