Despite court cases and warnings from the Bayelsa State Government calling for a suspension of the process, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) on Thursday inaugurated its newly elected national executives in Warri, Delta State. The inauguration, presided over by the outgoing INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, formally ushered in a new national leadership for the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Controversy Surrounding the Election
The development came amid growing controversy surrounding the recent INC elections. Meanwhile, the umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), congratulated the newly inaugurated leadership led by Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei. The IYC described the emergence and inauguration of the new INC leadership as a significant milestone in the collective struggle and advancement of the Ijaw nation.
Inauguration Ceremony Details
The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Chief Tunde Smooth Playground in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, saw Barrister Macdonald Ebi Igbadiwei inaugurated as the ninth President of the INC, succeeding Prof. Okaba. The event attracted prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and major stakeholders from across the Niger Delta, highlighting the strategic importance of the INC in the region’s socio-political affairs.
The inauguration proceeded despite earlier warnings by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who had called for a halt to the exercise pending the determination of court cases challenging the election outcome and in the interest of preserving the unity of the Ijaw nation.
Dignitaries Present
Among dignitaries present at the ceremony were ex-Niger Delta freedom fighter and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Otuaro.
IYC's Optimism and Commendation
Reacting to the development, the IYC expressed optimism that under Igbadiwei’s leadership, the INC would witness renewed unity, strength and purposeful direction in advancing the aspirations of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta region. In a statement issued by its spokesman, Binebai Princewill, the IYC commended the new INC president for distributing six brand-new luxury buses to various zones and chapters of the organisation on his first day in office.
“The gesture of distributing six brand-new luxurious buses to the various zones and chapters of the INC on his very first day in office is highly commendable and a clear sign of visionary leadership and commitment to effective coordination of the organisation. This development will undoubtedly enhance easy mobilisation, participation and inclusiveness of members across all zones whenever the need arises for meetings, consultations and other critical engagements concerning the Ijaw nation,” the statement said.
The inauguration was performed by the Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom and Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HM Kalanama VIII.
