A humble leader is not a weak one. Equally, acknowledging someone’s leadership or influence in a particular setting does not amount to endorsing everything that person has ever done. These are important distinctions that must be understood before drawing conclusions from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s recent remarks about High Chief Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
At the inauguration of the Kogi State chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Lokoja on October 12, 2026, Governor Ododo described Tompolo as his “mentor and leader.” The remark has attracted discussions, with some questioning why a sitting governor would use such words to describe Tompolo, considering his past antecedents.
However, political statements must be examined within their proper context, rather than interpreted solely through the lens of partisan interests or historical controversies.
Tompolo’s past is a legitimate part of the conversation, but so is his present position.
Today, Tompolo occupies a significant position in the Niger Delta’s security architecture, Nigeria’s oil infrastructure protection framework and the wider political landscape. Through Tantita Security Services, he is associated with the protection of critical oil infrastructure under a federal government contract. His influence within the Niger Delta and his involvement in political mobilisation are also part of the realities of contemporary Nigerian politics.
The Lokoja event was organised by a movement mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, a movement also spearheaded by Tompolo.
This context is relevant when interpreting the governor’s remarks.
It is reasonable to ask whether Ododo was referring to Tompolo’s political influence, his leadership within the movement or a broader relationship. Without the full context of the exchange, it would be premature to insist that the governor intended to communicate something beyond what he actually said.
What should not be overlooked, however, is the distinction between recognising someone’s leadership in a particular political setting and endorsing every aspect of that person’s history. Political relationships are often shaped by shared objectives, organisational structures and the realities of coalition-building.
Acknowledging such relationships does not automatically translate into approval of every decision, action or controversy associated with the other party.
That standard should apply consistently to politicians across all parties, regions and political affiliations.
There is another dimension to this debate: the tendency of political actors to turn ordinary statements or expressions of humility into unnecessary controversies whenever doing so serves a particular narrative.
In politics, even the simplest words can be subjected to multiple interpretations. A statement that might ordinarily be understood as an acknowledgement of leadership or respect can suddenly become a subject of intense debate, with competing groups assigning meanings that may not necessarily reflect the speaker’s intention.
Humility, unfortunately, can become a target in this kind of political environment. When a leader chooses respectful language instead of self importance, some may interpret it as submission.
When a leader acknowledges another person’s influence, others may present it as an admission of inferiority. And when a public officeholder declines to project an unnecessarily dominant image, critics may attempt to turn that disposition into a question of authority.
Humility is not the absence of authority, and respect is not the surrender of independence. A governor can acknowledge another person’s influence without relinquishing the authority entrusted to him by the people.
The danger lies in allowing political interpretations to replace reasoned assessment, turning statements into controversies through insinuations and exaggerated conclusions.
Since his inauguration on January 27, 2024, Governor Ododo has encouraged Kogites to address him as the “Chief Servant” rather than “His Excellency,” reflecting his preference for service over personal status. In his inaugural address, he reminded citizens that they were his employers because they elected him, emphasising that “the hiree cannot be bigger than the hirer.”
In an interview with Kogi Strides, he also attributed his respect for people to his upbringing in a farming family under his grandmother’s care. These statements offer context to his leadership philosophy, although his actual conduct and performance remain the ultimate measures of his leadership.
Leadership does not require arrogance or constant displays of superiority. In a diverse political environment like Nigeria, respectful engagement and collaboration can be valuable leadership tools.
There is a difference between asking a governor to clarify his remarks and declaring, without sufficient evidence, that those remarks demonstrate weakness or a surrender of authority. Political opponents and commentators are entitled to disagree with his choice of words, but criticism should be proportionate and grounded in context rather than driven by the desire to manufacture controversy.
Ultimately, the more meaningful questions concern how Ododo exercises authority, responds to challenges, makes decisions and fulfils his responsibilities to the people of Kogi State.
Humility is not weakness. Respect is not surrender. And acknowledging another person’s leadership in a particular setting is not necessarily an endorsement of that person’s entire history.
– Pharm. Chief Abdulkareem Jamiu Mohammed (Asuku),
Coordinator,
Kogi State Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) movement.
