Tompolo Distances Tantita from Ogidigben Oil Field Shutdown, Says Facility Not Under Their Watch

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has disassociated himself and his security firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from the recent shutdown of the Ogidigben oil field in Warri South-West, Delta State, by protesting Itsekiri youths. He clarified that the facility in question falls outside Tantita’s operational jurisdiction and is under the surveillance of another company.

Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Tompolo made it clear that the oil facility, which produces 28,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is secured by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL)—a company linked to the Olu of Itsekiri—and not by Tantita Security Services.

Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo,” Bebenimibo stated. “The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited.”

The clarification comes amid growing speculation following the peaceful protest staged by Itsekiri youths from the Ugborodo community on Wednesday. The demonstrators, armed with placards, shut down operations at the facility in protest against their alleged marginalisation in the recent ward delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Ogidigben oil field, previously operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, is now owned by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings after a recent acquisition. The shutdown resulted in a temporary halt of crude production in the area, drawing attention to the community’s grievances.

While reaffirming Tantita’s commitment to its assigned responsibilities, Tompolo emphasized that multiple private security contractors are involved in oil asset protection across the Niger Delta, and not all incidents involving oil infrastructure should be attributed to his outfit.

This development comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over community relations, oil production security, and electoral fairness in the region.