Government Oweizide Tompolo, popularly known as Tompolo is the former militant commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) – a rebel group known for fighting against oil exploration in the South-South region of Nigeria.
During his years as a militant, Tompolo was ever ready to defend his people and fight the Nigerian Government and Oil exploration companies that were exploiting the Niger Delta people.
Being an ex-commander of MEND made him one of the richest men in Nigeria.
In this article, we’ll give you details about his life as a militant and how he was able to make his fortune.
Profile Summary
| Name | Government Oweizide Tompolo |
| Nickname | Tompolo |
| Age | 54 years old |
| Date of Birth | 12th April 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Warri, Delta |
| State of Origin | Delta |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Ex-militant, activist and businessman |
| Related Figures | Ayiri Emami, Ned Nwoko |
| Net worth | Billions of Naira |
Biography
Tompolo whose real name is Government Oweizide Tompolo, was born on the 12th of April 1971 in Warri, Delta State.
His family is the Okerenoko Royal Family in the Gbaramatu Traditional Kingdom.
His father, Late Chief Thomas Expemupole was married to five wives and Tompolo’s mother was the oldest of the wives.
Tompolo attended Okepopo school in Warri for his primary education.
The ex-militant is believed to be a traditionalist and the chief priest of the Egbesu Deity.
Tompolo became famous in the early 2000’s. He was once one of Nigeria’s most wanted men, considered dangerous by the government because of his crimes as a militant with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
The group was known for attacking government oil exploration sites and kidnapping oil workers in organized attacks between 2006-2009.
They caused major disruption in the oil and gas sector, destroyed properties and decreased the oil production in Nigeria by a quarter.
Net Worth
Tompolo is rumored to be worth billions of naira. While his exact net worth is unknown, we cannot deny how wealthy the ex-militant is. Judging by his luxury lifestyle and assets, he is no doubt one of the richest and most influential men from Delta.
It is rumored that he acquired millions of naira from the government after he was granted amnesty with his group. He also allegedly made money from illegal oil bunkering and arms trade.
Also, Tompolo earned millions of naira from contracts awarded to his company by ex-president Goodluck Jonathan. One of the contracts was rumored to be worth over 10 billion naira.
Cars, Houses and Properties
Despite living a lowkey lifestyle, Tompolo doesn’t seem to shy away from purchasing luxury items.
In 2013, it was revealed that he owned a private jet which cost about 2 billion naira.
He is also known to be the owner of several luxury apartments in Warri, and other parts of Nigeria.
Parked in his garage in Warri are also some of the most expensive cars.
Conclusion
For many years, Tompolo has kept his location unknown, living quietly away from the public eye.
In fact, it wasn’t until 2020 that the ex-warlord appeared in public. He was seen at his Egbesu Shrine in Delta State.
