Editorial
THE ODIMODI ODYSSEY OF SCHOLARLY DISTINCTION: CELEBRATING PROFESSOR CHRIS IKPORUKPO AND RECENT PROFESSORIAL PROMOTIONS; The Address that Broke all Records
Editorial
Prof. Benedict Ebimotimi Binebai, BA. (Hons). M.A, PhD, University of Ibadan., Msonta, Former Head, Department of Theatre Arts Niger Delta University; Current Orator, Niger Delta University; Voice of the Niger Delta, 2021. 2019 Recipient, African Solo Drama Award. He is one of the very few scholars in contemporary Nigeria who not only laid academic foundation for Niger Delta regional Drama through teaching, research and theorisation , but whose scholarship and creativity address the long history of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta through the medium of drama. Binebai is Niger Delta University 55TH Inaugural lecturer. His inaugural lecture is titled, The Theory and Drama of the Silent Space. He is theorist of the speaking Space and Heroes on the Margins. A Multiple Award Winner in Drama and Theatre. A Playwright, Literary Critic, a Subaltern Postcolonial Scholar, Public Affairs Analyst. Governing Council Member, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro. A Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
This knee-jecking oratorical idol once again broke all known records with his mind-blowing Keynote Address on the occasion of the Grand Reception Ceremony organized by Odimodi Community for her top academic brass.
Read the breathtaking piece.
“Today, as the ancient rivers and land of Iduwini whisper the mission of this gathering to the wind, and the majestic mangrove trees stand sentinel over the land of Odimodi, I stand before you on the prompting of fate, as a true son of the soil, with humility, deep sense of celebration and grace to speak here. But who am I to speak in a grand reception held in honour of our legendary academic, if not for the invitation of the organisers of this grand reception? As I reflect on my academic journey, I am reminded of the day I stepped into the hallowed institution, University of Ibadan, filled with dreams and aspirations. And it was on that day, I first met Professor Chris Ikporukpo at Preboye’s world, Agbowo, Ibadan. His warm smile and temperate academic mien put me at ease. As I recall that historic moment, I remember not just his words, but his nonverbal gestures. The spread of warm smile across his face, his nod of endorsement and the firm but gentle affirmative wave of his hand communicated his reception of my studentship, it is as if he was saying, “welcome to University of Ibadan and I am committed to helping you succeed”. That was 30 years ago. Here we are, father and son as professors. We give God the glory. Our father, the subject of our gathering today is an institution of inspiration and academic productivity.Odimodi, an ancient home where the great river of Iduwini and the waters from heaven nourish the fertile plains, is one of the fastest growing communities, in size and population, located in the northern fringes of Burutu local government. It is an enchanted land and home to a people whose love for knowledge has woven a spell of wisdom and prosperity around them. Its founder, Otolor-Kokioko popularly known as Eluwe, was a wise, courageous and adventurous man who left legacy knowledge for his descendant. This is a community dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the dissemination of wisdom, where children are engrossed in a world of knowledge and wonder. It is a community that celebrates education. We need to applaud our progenitors and their progenies for this divine blessing.The Odimodi dedication to education seems to have been influenced partly by the examples of other education-loving societies around the world. The Jewish community has a long history of valuing education which contributed to their achievements in Science, Technology, “Entrepreneurship, and Art, the Indian diaspora in the United States developed a strong commitment to education, the Singaporean society also placed emphasises on education because it is the driver of economic transformation, Finland, South Korea, the ancient Greek- city state and the Scottish enlightenments also place high value on education. These are examples of nation in the world that have experienced the transformative power of education in shaping the development of their societies and civilisations. In Nigeria, the love for education has long produced the Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa nations as dominant forces and voices.
“Ladies and gentlemen, like the ageless River of Iduwini, education flows eternally, connecting past, present and the future and shaping the minds of those who drink from the waters. Permit me to visit the past to acknowledge the contributions of tutors of Odimodi ancestry to the educational development of Ijaw and the Nigerian nation at Burutu. For decades these tutors: the late legendary Mr. Smart Oka and S.M.B Bibaikefie, mathematics and physics tutors, Dickson Ikporukpo Geography tutor and administrator, late Michael Ingo Music, late Idumu Seikorowei, Late Clark Oka, a Student Tutor, Late V.C.M Isiayei, late Tima Iyalagha, Henchard Erezene and Hon.Dennis Yeinbiri Bibaikefie, a tutor of Chemistry and Physics. These array of tutors showed their unflinching commitment to empowering younger generations of Nigerians including Ijaw youths through education. In an occasion of this magnitude, it is necessary to recognise and appreciate their selfless work as educators. Some of these educators or their children are the ones we are celebrating today as professors. Interestingly, most of the honorees had their educational foundation at Eluwe Primary School Odimodi. Let it be known that the Odimodi example of educational excellence is based on, Student and Teacher-centric, institutional, society and environmental factors. These factors interweave to construct a robust drapery of support to the academic success of the Odimodi consumer of knowledge.In 2019, when my senior brother, Henchard Erezene and I were announced as Professors by the Governing Council of Niger Delta University, the entire Iduwini gathered at Burutu with Odimodi taking the lead to celebrate my thanksgiving in which the former and late Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Samuel Akpoebi Gowon Edoumiekumo, attended. Remarkably, I received another reception ceremony from the youths of Odimodi on the 29th of December 2019. A memory that remains vivid and indelible in my mind.Here we are again, in a most fitting manner, to honour a big academic masquerade, an intellectual Abadejongo, a grand master, a titan, a supreme geographer of geography, a prophet and a sage of the environmental science and a space occupying sheriff of knowledge. As you can see, the serene and bright weather indicates that the ancestors and gods of our great land of Iduwini smile upon us as we celebrate the retirement of Professor Chris Ikporukpo and the reception of our new professors. It is only in the fertile soil of knowledge that the seeds of greatness are planted and the harvest of progress and prosperity are reaped. Evidently, Odimodi has an impressive history of nurturing its educated sons and daughters in Ijawland.
“On behalf of the Chairman, Chiefs, elders and good people of Odimodi community, I extend my warmest congratulations to Professor Chris O. Ikporukpo, former Vice- Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, on his retirement after his meritorious service to the University of Ibadan in particular, and the global academic community for 43 years. It is an honour to attend school, and even a greater honour to become a professor, but it is a supreme honour to become a vice –chancellor – head of academics and administration- a professor of professors and most importantly, to inspire education and scholarship in society. It is a joyous spectacle to retire successfully and gloriously. Not many can cross the river Prof Chris Ogolo Ikporukpo has crossed.The educational history of Odimodi is made visible and prominent by several professionals, such as Healthcare professionals, Education professionals, justice and law enforcement professionals, Business and finance professionals, skilled trades, technology and IT, arts and entertainment Professionals, Government and Public Service professionals, architects and engineers. But from the dawn of the Odimodi educational Odyssey, teaching and the law professions are linked. Thus, it is expedient to honour the late Chief Barrister Ernest Ikime Iseru, a pre-independent lawyer, who himself was a trained grade one teacher, a head teacher at the Native Authority School, Okrika and later went to Northern Nigeria where he taught at a college, he proceeded to the United Kingdom to study law between 1955 and 1958. He returned to Warri as the most senior lawyer in the then Warri province. He made history as the first lawyer from Western Ijaw Division, preceding Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, and Broderick Bozimo. What is more, his legacy lives on through two of his children and ground children who followed his footsteps in the field of law. His first daughter, Anne, the queen of Professor Chris Ikporukpo’s dynasty, a 2011 Doctor of philosophy holder from University of Ibadan, whose daughter is a lecturer of law at University of Lagos, soon to earn a PhD in law, thus, going beyond her models. You can see that Professor Ikporukpo’s home is an educational confluence powered by the teaching and the legal professions. Barrister Ernest .K. Iseru was a great teacher and lawyer. The law foundation laid by Barrister Ernest. K Iseru has since attracted a legion of legal experts in Odimodi like Barrister Sam Ikporukpo, Austine Igbapike and his granddaughter, a teacher of law.My warmest posthumous congratulations to a profound scholar of mathematics, our own Richard Ogoja Angiama of the University of East London, with broad knowledge and expertise in academic fields such as applied economics, marketing and Industrial Administration. A trailblazer who ignited a passion for scholarship, a pillar of inspiration in the pursuit of knowledge. Let us also welcome Henchard Bibi Erezene, a scholar who has over 50 local and international publications, a member of several learned academic societies and Associations including the historical society of Nigeria. Professor Henchard Bibi Erezene is the Chairman, Ijaw National Congress(INC) National Committee on Environment and Biodiversity, and a member of the Board of Governors(BOG) of the Assemblies of God Nigeria Pentecostal Theological Seminary at Eleme, Port Harcourt, A Professor of African History, first Professor of History in Western Ijaw and former Head, Department of History and Diplomacy, Faculty of Arts, Niger Delta University, Jude Iyabrade Ikporukpo, from the Ikporukpo natal and academic dynasty, a university Administrator, a highly effective leader and scholar with impressive national and international publications. A Professor of Development Studies in Political Science and former Head, Department of Political Science. Let us also welcome Dr. Bryan Oweilayefa S. Gere, a PhD Holder in Rehabilitation Services from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a recipient of academic awards, an author of several book chapters, journal articles and a principal and co-investigator on some competitive grants. He is a member of The National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) and the American Counselling Association (ACA). An Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Services, University of Maryland, Eastern Shores, USA. As we celebrate their remarkable career, we recall the wisdom of Aristotle, who said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit. Their career has been a rich tapestry from threads of dedication, expertise and compassion. They are great sons of Odimodi who unlocked the treasure chest of knowledge and discovered earlier, that education is a heroic quest for self-discovery, overcoming challenges and emerging victorious.Professor Chris Ikporukpo walked through the iconic gate and attended the University of Ibadan in 1970, full of dreams powered by a heart of curiosity. He earned a degree in Geography in 1973. The eagle sees clearly and properly only when it flies higher. The courage to reach greater heights is an inner energy of vision. Following his National Youth Service, he returned to the University of Ibadan on scholarship to pursue his doctoral research, skipping the master’s degree and earning his PhD in 1977.Chris Ikporukpo rose rapidly through the academic ranks, becoming a substantive professor of Transport/Industrial Geography on October 1, 1991. Between 2008 and 2010, he served as a member of the Governing Board of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Professor Chris Ikporukpo was appointed Vice- Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Wilberforce, Island Bayelsa State, in 2005 by His Excellency, late Chief Dr. Diepreye Solomon Peters Alamieyeseigha, a position he held until 2012. Chris Ikporukpo is a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Geography. An earlier teacher of Professor Idowu Olayinka, who was the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, when he retired in 2020.He served as Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, and after his Vice-Chancellorship at NDU, he accepted leadership role as Head of the Department of Geography. An acceptance characterised by humility, profound commitment and strong sense of allegiance to the academe. Prof Chris Ikporukpo published in peer reviewed papers and a number of high impact national and international journals. He has been published in a variety of subjects, within the disciplines of geography and science, a distinguished academic that journeys along the coast of environmental studies and urban planning within Nigeria and the African landscapes. His scholarship is a merger of thoughts from urban development, environmental policy, geography and environmental science. His research dovetails into social and economic dimensions of natural resource management, urbanisation and environmental change issues and the complex relationship between human and natural systems. He has taken scholarship to urban development in the Lake Chad and the evaluation of urban green infrastructure in Ethiopia. Professor Chris Ikporukpo’s scholarship has addressed topical subjects such as land use change, oil resource management and the interlock of federalism and economic power in Nigeria, and without doubt his intellectual radar also captures the challenges of urban mass transit and rural transportation. Remarkably, our honoree has collaborated with researchers and institutions from around the world, displaying a robust research capacity across cultural and geographical frontiers. He has received sponsorship from great institutions such as the Deanship of scientific research at Kings Khalid University and the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan. Chris Ikporukpo has researched on environmental planning and management in the Nigerian context and the development of innovative frameworks and models for analyzing and addressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta. He possesses a repository of knowledge and his works have been extensively studied, deeply recognized and broadly cited in the fields of geography and environmental science. “Professor Chris Ikporukpo has supervised many graduate students, helping to build capacity in geography and environmental science. He gave his inaugural lecture, titled “Spatial Engineering and Accessibility, 2002 at the University of Ibadan, from the Faculty of Social sciences. A lecture predicated on design and implementation of systems, products and environments that are accessible, usable and safe for everyone. A first-rate utility lecture. Today, we are gathered in a colourful way to celebrate a luminary whose radiant intellect and generosity of spirit have illuminated the lives of countless students, a man with the shoulder of a giant whose academic prowess and pedagogical passion have inspired generations, we celebrate the retirement of this great father, mentor, and academic hero-general, the Funpere and Fun Agele Sibewei of Iduwini, Professor Ikporukpo, and the recent promotion of three other academics of Odimodi to the professorial cadre.The noble Odimodi Community of Iduwini kingdom is one of the highest producers of professors and other academics in Burutu local Government area. Only a community that knows the value and power of education can achieve this feat.
Professor Chris Ikporukpo is known for his frank and sociable personality within and outside the university environment. If you want him to listen to you, be reasonable, show preparedness and capacity for what you want him to do for you. Make no foolish and impossible requests from him. Many would think he is a difficult man, but he is not difficult. He is only principled. He appreciates family, friends, and well-wishers. He is one man who wants the best for his society.The academic veteran, Chis Ikporukpo, when he was a university administrator, projected a heart decorated and populated with university transformation and sophistication. During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor at Niger Delta University, he caused an educational revolution. The quality of lecturers at the time was very poor. The university was populated with junior faculty members or Assistant lecturers. To change the narrative, Professor Chris Ikporukpo gave an order to lecturers without PhDs to enroll in PhD programs at accredited universities to further their academic careers. As at the time he was leaving as Vice-Chancellor, the university recorded over three hundred PhD holders. It was during his tenure that the university started producing professors, associate professors, and senior lecturers.Today, the Niger Delta University is a self-governing institution known nationally as the Most Efficient University in Nigeria during the recent reign of the late Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo. A foundation laid by Professor Chris Ikporukpo and Professor Humphrey Anthony Ogoni who succeeded him as Vice-Chancellor.We gathered deliberately to celebrate because the academic and intellectual tidal muses of Iduwini vibrate melodiously in harmony, from the distant past and the heroes have emerged, with hearts forged in the crucible of curiosity, ablaze with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and excellence. They descended, armed with the armour of wisdom and the spear of innovation, driven by the fire of their passion, they embarked on their epic quest, conquering the realms of knowledge and emerging victorious. “Today, the professors we celebrate appear as guardians of the sacred flames of knowledge and excellence in their various fields of pedagogy and erudition. They have transcended their fields by making significant contributions to the broader social and cultural landscapes. They are important for the advancement of knowledge in Odimodi, Iduwini, and the wider Ijaw setting by promoting social justice and advancing the well-being of humanity. The achievements of Professor Chris Ikporukpo and the professors of honour today, attest to the fact that excellence is achievable, innovation is possible, and learning is a life-long journey.A majestic and venerable great and aging tree may slow its growth, but its roots remain to nourish the soil for future generations. Professor Chris Ikporukpo’s legacy will continue to inspire and nurture our academic community. Our father, our mentor and “mega academic hero”, is a confluence of intellectual merit and activism and a transporter of rising scholars finding voices. His Ikporukpo-centric rationalization and academic attributes have helped to build a fertile tide of intellectuals within Odimodi, Iduwini, Ijaw land in the Nigerian academic estate and the global arena. He represents a historical”
By Prof. Ben Binebai
Today we embark on a journey through the annals of history, to unravel the mystique of the 12-Day Revolution, a central event in the Ijaw freedom struggle. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, an Ijaw freedom fighter, declared the Niger Delta Republic in 1966, igniting a flame that would burn for generations. He is a Nigerian nationalist and military officer. Isaac Adaka Boro was born on September 10, 1938, in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, to Pepple Boro, a school headmaster. He excelled academically, earning his First School Leaving Certificate with distinction and later passing the West African School Certificate Examination at Hussey College, Warri, in 1957. Boro’s activism began as a student leader at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he championed for the rights of minority groups. Isaac Boro’s 12 day revolution was ignited by ijaw conditions of subalternity and Sisypheannism in Nigeria.
The Ijaw Struggle: A Saga of Subalternity
Ijaws have been subalterns, subjected to the whims of colonial governance to this era of post-colonial governmentality under the control of fellow countrymen. In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was cursed to roll a massive boulder up a steep hill, only for it to roll back down each time he reached the top, forcing him to start anew. This cycle of pushing the boulder up the hill, only to see it roll back down, is a potent symbol of the Ijaw people’s struggles Like a Sisyphean task, we have pushed the boulder of oppression up the mountain, only to see it roll back down, crushing our spirits.. Just like Sisyphus, the Ijaw nation has faced numerous challenges and setbacks in her quest for justice and equality. Despite efforts to push forward, we often find ourselves back at the starting point, with little to show for our struggles. This Sisyphean connection between Ijaw and Sisyphus can be seen in various aspects of the Ijaw struggle, including:
1. Environmental degradation: Despite their efforts to protect their environment, the Ijaw people continue to suffer from oil spills, gas flaring, and other forms of environmental degradation.
2. Marginalization: The Ijaw people have been marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes, despite their significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
3. Lack of infrastructure: Despite their efforts to demand better infrastructure, the Ijaw people continue to suffer from poor roads, inadequate healthcare, and lack of access to basic necessities.
4. Violence and militarization: The Ijaw people have faced violence and militarization, with their communities often being the site of conflicts between security forces and militant groups.
I SAAC Boros 12 day revolution is also influenced by preceding phases of ijaw struggle in which Ijaw towns were destroyed along with their vocal voices of liberation in one form or the other. These stages have produced four period set of liberation fighters. From 1895 when King Koko took up arms against the oppressive Royal Niger Company of the British to this era of the struggle; the Ijaws of the Niger Delta have put in 130 years of liberation struggle. The first period of struggle lasted for 45years (1895-1940) the period from Dappa Biriye 1940 to Isaac Boro revolution of 1966 took 26 years. From the Boro revolutionary epoch of 1966 to the era of the Ijaw youth’s declaration of freedom at Kaiama up to this time (2025), the struggle has recorded another 55years.
Today, let us strongly remember the first people who fought for the liberation of the Ijaw nation. They were the traditional rulers and prominent chiefs of the colonial era. The Opobos under king Jaja, the Nembes under King Frederick Williams Ofrimalekeleke Koko, King Ibanchuka of Okrika, the Oborotu of Iduwini under the military command of Taiyan, Ayakoromo under the Ondukus and Agias and Chief Ambakederemo of Kiagbodo. The setting of this period in history is the 19th and 20th centuries. Precisely between the early 1880s to the first four decades of the 20th century. These struggles brought nothing but devastation to Ijaw clans and communities.
Let us also remember educated Ijaw sons, patriots and nationalists Ernest Ikoli, a veteran politician and journalist, Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, Chief F.H.E. Brisibe, OFR, Chief George Albert Weikezi, Harris Ozeke, Prince H E. Odoundiri, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, , Sam Timinipre Owonaru, Captain Nottingham Dick, His Royal Majesty King Alfred Diete Spiff Pastor power Ziakede Aginighan Professor Christopher Dime, Professor Kimse Okoko, Dr. Amba Ambaowei, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, Frank Opigo, Captain George Amangala, Chief Anthony Francis Oladipo Engurube, Barrister Oronto Douglas etc Their approach was characterized by political representation and intellectual persuasion.
Why Isaac Boro declared Niger Delta Republic:
On February 23, 1966, Boro declared the secession of the Niger Delta from the rest of Nigeria, citing neglect and underdevelopment despite being the hub of oil production. He formed the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, composed of young men from various Ijaw clans. The revolution lasted 12 days before federal forces defeated them, and Boro was jailed for treason.
The 12 day revolution was an epic battle against the politics to control the liquid gold economy by the Nigerian political hegemonic philistinic and ethnocentric collaborators. Isaac Boro’s declaration has a separatist spirit, temper and manifesto. This is because it is not a struggle for recognition within Nigeria but a struggle to own and operate a separate independent nation. This present phase of freedom struggle is a further embodiment of the proverbial 12 days Revolution of Boro. The 12 days revolution after all is twelve days in time length but it has countless generational penetration. The revolution that started in 1966 is still on today.
Primarily, the 12 day revolution is about neglect and underdevelopment. Despite being the hub of oil production in Nigeria, the Ijaw area is neglected. This negligence resulted in pathological and wide spread poverty, environmental degradation and lack of basic infrastructure. It was further propelled by resource control, greater control of the resources of Ijaw nation which advocated for a more equitable distribution of revenues derived from the areas natural resources.
The 12 days revolution also highled the struggle for minority and oppressed peoples rights and privileges in Nigeria, seeking greater recognition, representation and liberties. The Revolution is also about expression of political and economic anxieties. The best way to explain this is the awareness of the strong feeling of marginalisation, balkanisation, exclusion and subalternisation. The revolution is also inflamed by Ijaw national sentiment. It was driven by a strong sense of nationalism and a desire for self-determination. He sought to assert the republics autonomy and control over its god given resources.It a struggle based on the vision for Ijaw self-actualisation through the use of arm. Focussing on separatism nationalism. Interestingly, Adaka Boro’s struggle produced Boroism as: A philosophy, ideology, theory, principle, movement, politics, psychology And Literature of Ijaw struggle which has sustained the Ijaw struggle to date. It a revolution based on control of the oil in Ijaw land. ,
Observably, oil, is the why Nigeria is united by disunity and disunited by unity, it is what makes Nigeria great; ironically, it is what disunites Ijaw and her neighbours. It is the reason for the nation’s development and the reason for the underdevelopment of the Niger Delta. It is the reason for the unity of major ethnic nations and the reason for the criminal balkanization of the Ijaws. It is the reason Nigeria is tyrannised by lopsided beauty and judgement, held firmly by titanic and acidic corruption and corrupted pathologically by greedy totalitarianism. It is the reason for many forms of violence – political, ideological, historical, psychological, geographical, and epistemic violence. It is the reason for Ijaw subalternity and ‘Sisypheannism’, the reason for perpetual political domination, economic cannibalism, and what Esiaba Irobi called political attackancy in his seminal drama, and Hangmen also die (Binebai 4).
The Niger Delta which was declared a republic by Isaac Boro is hitherto, a hotbed for major confrontations between its people and the Nigerian military. Its freedom fighters have experienced extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, and brutal violation of rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly due to protests against the activities of multinational companies and hegemonic subjugation. The scope of this lecture mandates me to reflect also on the gains and pains of the Isaac boro 12 day revolution.
Gains of the 12 days Revolution
It brought about Resource Control Awareness: Boro’s revolution raised awareness about the need for resource control and equitable distribution of oil revenue. Boro’s 12 days revolution inspired future generations, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, P.Z Aginighan DSP Alamieyeseigha. The revolution highlighted also the struggles of minority groups in Nigeria and the need for greater recognition and representation. It contributed to the creation of Rivers state and even Bayelsa State. It gave cultural identity and agency to the ijaw nation. It prepared the way for the emergence of new set of dependable leaders like Tompolo and other Niger Delta activists.
As a researcher, I have sought to capture the essence of Tompolo’s remarkable story, plaiting together historical context, and political analysis to create a distinctive representation of a leader who has defied conventions and redefined the boundaries of possibility. I explored the central instants, judgments, and relationships that have fashioned Tompolo’s trajectory, and to distill the lessons and insights that have made him an iconic symbol in contemporary Nigerian politics.
Pains of the 12 days Revolution
Loss of Life: Boro’s revolution was short-lived, and he was eventually killed in action during the Nigerian Civil War in 1968. Several towns and villages across the ages have been burnt and destroyed and many lives lost.
Despite Boro’s efforts, the Niger Delta region continues to face marginalization, environmental degradation, poverty and unfulfilled Promises: The federal government’s promises of development and resource control remain unfulfilled, fueling ongoing agitation in the region. Let me state clearly that Ijaw is strongly facing 30 problems in Nigeria. Betrayal, Inter-ethnic wars, discrimination, segregation, nepotism, ethnocentrism, sectionalism, Subalternization. Underdevelopment, invisibility, poor leadership, environmental degradation Oil pollution, gas flaring, lack of infrastructure, unemployment, poverty, marginalization, exclusion from decision-making processes, cultural erosion, language endangerment, historical injustices, land grabbing, displacement from ancestral lands, human rights abuses, suppression of self-expression, limited access to education, inadequate healthcare, corruption, institutionalised oppression.
Some of the major Unending Problems of Ijaw Nation are: Political balkanisation- divided into several states for oppression and exploitation, economic subjugation and dislocation- we cannot control our wealth, ecological degradation, post-colonial governmentality- how structures of power regulate and undermine Ijaw growth in Nigeria, Marginalisation- we suffer discrimination, limited access to education, health care, underrepresentation, legal legislative and constitutional tyranny. Subalternisation – social exclusion Invisibility, Lack of voice and agency. These problems are interconnected and have been perpetuated by a complex web of historical, economic, and political factors. Addressing these challenges will require a sustained and collective effort from the Ijaw people, their neighbors, and the Nigerian government.
The Ijaw experience of Sisyphean connection highlights the need for a new approach, one that recognises the futility of the current cycle of struggle and seeks to break free from it. It emphasizes the importance of finding new ways to address the challenges faced by the Ijaw people, rather than simply pushing the same boulder up the hill. By acknowledging the Sisyphean nature of Ijaw struggle, we can begin to explore new strategies and approaches that can help them achieve their goals and break the cycle of futility. As a subaltern tribe, the Ijaw people have been marginalized and excluded from positions of power and influence. Our voices are often silenced or ignored, and our concerns are dismissed as inferior or unimportant. This subaltern status has contributed to our Sisyphean existence, where we are forced to repeatedly push against the weight of oppression, only to see our efforts seemingly undone.
The need for new methods for the Ijaw freedom struggle.
Apart from: – Shift from Armed struggle, armed confrontation to non-violent civil disobedience, broadening the support base by building a more inclusive movement beyond the Ijaw ethnic nationality, efforts towards sustainable development and environmental justice, emphasis on political strategies. Through lobbying and institutional channels, leveraging legal and institutional channels, internationalization of the struggle by seeking support and solidarity from the global community. And embracing religion, the religion of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, I propose Ijaw psychological unity, it will bring strength in numbers, coordinated strategy, shared vision and purpose, resource mobilisation, international support, collective resilience against suppression, bridging differences and presenting a cohesive front.
In the annals of Nigerian history, few events have captured the essence of resistance and defiance as the 12-Day Revolution of Isaac Adaka Boro. This pivotal moment in the Ijaw struggle for self-determination and resource control continues to inspire generations of activists, scholars, and freedom fighters. As we reflect on the gains and pains of this revolution, we are reminded of the enduring power of courage, conviction, and collective action in the face of oppression. By acknowledging Ijaw as a subaltern Sisyphean tribe, we can begin to understand the depth of our struggles and the need for solidarity and support. It emphasizes the importance of listening to our voices, amplifying our concerns, and working towards a more just and equitable society.
The 12-Day Revolution of Isaac Adaka Boro may have been short-lived, but its impact on the Ijaw struggle and Nigerian history is indelible. As we honour the legacy of this courageous leader, we are compelled to continue the fight for justice, equality, and self-determination. May the spirit of Boro’s revolution inspire us to build a more just and equitable society, where the rights and dignity of all people are respected and protected. The revolution may be over, but the struggle continues.
Voice of the Niger Delta, 2021.
By Divine Perezide
Prominent Niger Delta figure and former militant leader, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo — widely known as Tompolo — has voiced strong optimism that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will soon reclaim his position.
Speaking during his birthday celebration held on Saturday in the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Tompolo addressed the ongoing political tension in Rivers State and affirmed his belief in Fubara’s return.
Governor Fubara was suspended in March under contentious circumstances, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu. In his place, Ibok-ete Ibas was installed as a sole administrator to oversee the state’s governance for a six-month interim period.
Addressing guests at the event, Tompolo highlighted the unity and determination of the Ijaw Nation, declaring:
“We have only one state, and our focus remains on Bayelsa. If you think power lies solely in being president or governor, and you attempt to undermine Bayelsa, you will face consequences.”
He also expressed the strength and support shared among people of the region, adding:
“One of us is stronger than twenty. Our brother, the governor of Bayelsa State, no matter our political disagreements—will always have our support.”
Turning his attention to Fubara’s situation, Tompolo expressed confidence in a peaceful resolution, saying:
“Even in Rivers State, our son Fubara will return to his rightful place. Dialogue and understanding will prevail.”
Reflecting on the political events that led to Fubara’s rise to office, Tompolo noted that the Ijaw people had been sidelined during that process. He pointed to former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike’s pivotal role, saying:
“Wike is my friend, but when he chose Fubara, no Ijaw man was involved or consulted. Yet, here we are standing for truth.”
Fubara’s suspension, along with that of other elected officials, emerged from a deepening rift between him and Wike, his predecessor—a feud that continues to influence the political climate in Rivers State.
By Prof. Binebai
Oporoza, Delta State – In the depths of the sacred and ancient Aziza forest, where the voices of the ancestors are said to echo through the trees, and the winds awaken the Pacific tides with their fury, a figure was born—not merely of flesh and blood, but of divine purpose. In times when the waters of the Niger Delta roared with strife and resilience, a name began to rise—a name spoken in both reverence and awe: Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, known spiritually as Igologolo, Odokorikodo, Ite, Eferekirikpon.
Described by followers and observers as “a mortal vessel of divine purpose,” Ekpemupolo’s story is interwoven with the identity of the Ijaw people and the broader Niger Delta struggle. From a land shaped by both abundance and adversity, his emergence is seen not just as historical, but spiritual—a symbol of the unwavering will of a people who have endured waves of challenge and yet remain standing, proud and unbroken.
“In the heart of the pregnant ancient Aziza forest, where whispers of the gods still linger… a legendary figure emerged from the womb of the land itself,” many recount, evoking the spiritual depth of his origin. To his people, he is not merely a man—he is a force, a bearer of vision, a spirit chiselled from the trials of a restless region.
As the Niger Delta continues to navigate the complexities of development, environmental justice, and self-determination, the legacy of Government Ekpemupolo—fondly known as Tompolo—remains a living testament to the strength and spirit of the Ijaw nation. A mortal, yes—but one whose purpose, many believe, is touched by the divine.
Happy 54th Birthday to the GOC!