News
Ijaw Group Kicks Against False Allegations Aimed at Smearing Otuaro and Tompolo, Calls for Unity Among Niger Delta Leaders
By Divine Perezide, October 2, 2024
The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) has strongly condemned a recent video by Jude Gbaboyor, believed to be a supporter of ex-agitator Ben Ebikabowei, known as “Boyloaf.” In the video, Gbaboyor accused Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Ph.D., of revealing a sensitive document that allegedly protected former President Goodluck Jonathan. The video also sought to discredit High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, a respected advocate for the Niger Delta region’s freedom.
In a statement signed by the group’s National Secretary, Comrade Peter Luke, and Board of Trustees Chairman, Cletus Itari, the IPDI condemned the allegations, describing them as baseless and an attempt to defame reputable leaders. The group emphasized that Dr. Otuaro had no involvement with the document in question, asserting that the accusations were part of a smear campaign.
“Gbaboyor’s malicious actions will ultimately harm the reputation of his sponsor, Boyloaf,” the IPDI stated. “These divisive tactics will backfire, and it is misguided to accuse Dr. Otuaro of being involved in a matter he knows nothing about. Gbaboyor should direct his grievances to the DSS or officials of the previous amnesty program, who may have valuable insights.”
The group further criticized Gbaboyor for trying to undermine Dr. Otuaro’s appointment as the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, accusing him of pursuing selfish interests at the expense of unity within the Ijaw community. “Instead of celebrating Dr. Otuaro’s achievements, Gbaboyor and his backers continue to scheme against their own brother,” they said. “This behavior is not only shameful but reveals the true intent to discredit Dr. Otuaro.”
The IPDI reaffirmed its support for Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, both of whom have been prominent figures in the Niger Delta struggle. “It is shameful for Gbaboyor to imply otherwise,” the group reiterated. “These false accusations are part of a calculated effort to tarnish the reputation of both Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo.”
They also emphasized that reckless misinformation and character assassination would not be tolerated. “We stand firmly with Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, who have worked tirelessly for the progress of our people.”
Addressing Gbaboyor’s claims, the IPDI highlighted the baseless nature of the accusations. “You cannot accuse someone of something they have no knowledge of simply because you saw their photograph in a private message. Dr. Otuaro was a significant player in the Niger Delta struggle, and any claim to the contrary is a misrepresentation of history.”
The group called on Gbaboyor to desist from spreading falsehoods and instead focus on constructive efforts to unite Ijaw leaders. The IPDI stressed that Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo would not be distracted by baseless accusations and reiterated their commitment to fostering positive change in the Niger Delta region.
The IPDI concluded its statement by urging all stakeholders to engage in fact-based dialogue and respect the contributions of leaders who are genuinely working for the betterment of the region.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.
By: Divine Perezide
Congratulatory messages continue to pour in as Warri-borne business tycoon, and Delta Ijaw APC leader, Madam Beauty Warezuwowei makes the list of members recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the reconstituted Governing Council and Board of Trustees of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP). Reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to tackling environmental degradation in oil-producing regions, the newly appointed board members include representatives from the Niger Delta, Ogoni Communities, NGOs, and oil-producing states, with the Minister of Environment serving as Chairman of the council.
Read the statement announcing the appointment below:
“STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
“PRESIDENT TINUBU ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR HYREP
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), with the Minister of Environment serving as Chairman of the Council.
“The other members are Loanyie Barituka Victor, who represents the Non-governmental Organisations focused on the environment, Bright Onyebuchi Jacob, and Henry Obiabure, who represent the Niger Delta communities.
“Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Barrister Baride Abdul Gwezia are the representatives of the Ogoni Community on the new Council.
“The nine oil-producing states have two representatives on the Council: Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse.
“There are four alternative members of the Council, representing Ogoniland and the Niger Delta: Rev. Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe, who was reappointed and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari are the alternate members of the Council representing Ogoniland. Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei represent the Niger Delta.
“President Tinubu also reconstituted the HYREP Board of Trustees, with Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah reappointed chairman.
“Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr. Fred Barivule Kpakol will represent Ogoni communities and stakeholders on the board. Mrs Dorcas Amos represents the other Niger Delta communities, while Chief Jide Damazio, who was reappointed, represents the NGOs dealing with environmental issues.
“Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
“August 11, 2025”
The appointment of Warejuwowei into the board of the HYREP, an office marking the renewed poise at restoring the badly polluted environments in the Niger Delta and advancin Ogoniland’s remediation efforts, has been applauded by people from across the region, adding that she will surely deliver meaningful contributions towards the successes of the agency and the federal government.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Commendations pour in from across Africa as renowned Delta State-born peace and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, has succefully defended his researh for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Relations at the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
A United Nations Peace Ambassador, environmentalist, human rights activist, sports enthusiast, entrepreneur, educational promoter, and social leader, Dr. Mulade is the National Coordinator of the foremost civil rights organisation, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), also known as the Africa 4 Peace Centre.
This remarkable academic feat once again demonstrates his unwavering zeal for intellectual excellence, further cementing his reputation as a visionary leader committed to peace, justice, and development, through the instrumentality of the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge.
As he takes this leap from local, state, and national engagements to a more pronounced presence on the international stage, Nigerians can look forward to the far-reaching impact of his knowledge, which promises to translate into global opportunities for the nation and beyond.