The new national executive council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was inaugurated on Thursday in Warri, Delta State. High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei was sworn in as President, alongside Dr. Okubokeme Tuodolo as Vice President 1, Rose Obuoforibo as Vice President 2, Kennedy Odiowei as Vice President 3, and Dr. Ayanate Kio as Secretary. They were elected at the INC national convention held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in April 2026.
End of Tenure for Outgoing President
The formal inauguration concluded the five-year tenure of the immediate past President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, who delivered a valedictory speech at the ceremony. Okaba highlighted the significant achievements of the INC, noting that the organization has established its presence in the global community. He urged the new leadership under Igbadiwei to sustain the unity of the Ijaw nation, promote Ijaw culture, and advocate for the creation of additional local government areas in Bayelsa State, which currently has only eight LGAs.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was witnessed by notable figures, including the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo; the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro; top traditional rulers; federal and state lawmakers; government officials; representatives of the Ijaw Youth Council; and other stakeholders of the INC.
Call for Unity and Support
Outgoing President Okaba praised the INC electoral committee chaired by retired Justice F.F. Tabai for conducting a credible election that facilitated a smooth transition. He urged the new leadership to uphold the INC constitution and called on stakeholders, clans, and community leaders to support the new president and his council.
Acceptance Speech by New President
In his acceptance speech, newly inaugurated President MacDonald Igbadiwei described the event as a historic moment for the Ijaw nation. He pledged to work for the unity and development of the Ijaw people, emphasizing that their socio-political and economic interests would be protected and projected. Igbadiwei decried the fact that Bayelsa State, which contributes immensely to the country's economy, has only eight LGAs, while some states with lesser contributions have over 40. He vowed to pursue equity and justice for the Ijaw nation, noting that the transition process demonstrated the INC's commitment to democratic values and internal cohesion.
PAP Administrator's Remarks
Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the PAP Administrator, commended the Igbadiwei-led executives on their successful inauguration and expressed confidence in their ability to lead the Ijaw nation. He stated, "As a stakeholder in the Ijaw nation, I have confidence in the ability of the new leadership of the Ijaw National Congress under High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei to give the Ijaw a new direction."
