Historic Moment as Ijaw National Congress Inaugurates MacDonald Igbadiwei as President
Historic Moment as Ijaw National Congress Inaugurates MacDonald Igbadiwei as President
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The ancient oil city of Warri came alive on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as prominent Ijaw sons and daughters, traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry, youth organizations, women groups, and delegates from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered for the inauguration of a new leadership of the Ijaw National Congress.
The historic occasion witnessed the formal swearing-in of High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei as President of the INC following the successful completion of the tenure of the immediate past President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba.
The event, which drew widespread attention across the Niger Delta region, was described by stakeholders as a defining moment in the evolving political and socio-cultural history of the Ijaw nation. The inauguration ceremony also underscored the continued relevance of the INC as the foremost umbrella body representing the interests of the Ijaw ethnic nationality both within and outside Nigeria.
Among dignitaries present at the ceremony were revered traditional rulers from various Ijaw kingdoms, senior government officials, political leaders, elder statesmen, representatives of civil society organizations, youth leaders, women groups, and notable Niger Delta stakeholders. Also in attendance was High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Government Ekpemupolo, whose presence further highlighted the significance of the gathering.
The inauguration followed an elaborate valedictory and handover session held in honour of the outgoing administration led by Prof. Okaba.
During his farewell address, the former INC President reflected on the achievements recorded under his leadership, particularly in the areas of advocacy for environmental justice, protection of Ijaw cultural heritage, regional security, resource control, and sustained engagement with the Federal Government on issues affecting the Niger Delta.
Prof. Okaba also reiterated the long-standing demand for state creation and additional local government areas in predominantly Ijaw communities, especially in Bayelsa State and other parts of the Niger Delta. He urged the incoming leadership to remain resolute in defending the collective interests of the Ijaw people while promoting peace, unity, and development across Ijaw territories.
He commended members of the congress for ensuring a peaceful and transparent transition process, describing the successful inauguration as evidence of the maturity and democratic culture within the organization.
According to him, the strength of the INC lies in its unity and collective commitment to the protection of the political, economic, and environmental rights of the Ijaw people.
Taking the oath of office amid loud applause from supporters and delegates, High Chief Igbadiwei pledged to uphold the constitution and ideals of the INC. He assured the gathering that his administration would prioritize inclusiveness, unity, youth empowerment, economic development, and strategic engagement with critical stakeholders across the Niger Delta region.
The newly inaugurated INC President described the peaceful transfer of leadership as a landmark achievement that reflects the organization’s enduring commitment to democratic principles, institutional continuity, and internal cohesion.
He further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among Ijaw communities, political leaders, traditional institutions, and development partners in addressing pressing regional concerns such as environmental degradation, unemployment, insecurity, infrastructural deficits, and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Goodwill messages delivered during the ceremony by traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth organizations, and representatives of Ijaw communities in the diaspora centered on the urgent need for the new leadership to sustain advocacy for resource control, environmental remediation, economic inclusion, and greater participation of Niger Delta communities in the management of oil and gas resources.
Several speakers also praised the outgoing leadership of Prof. Okaba for maintaining stability within the congress and sustaining national conversations on the rights and development of oil-producing communities.
Observers at the event noted that the emergence of Chief Igbadiwei comes at a critical period when the Niger Delta region is witnessing renewed debates over fiscal federalism, environmental justice, oil sector reforms, community development, and regional security.
Founded in 1991, the Ijaw National Congress remains the apex socio-cultural body representing the interests of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria with populations spread across several states in the Niger Delta region.
Political analysts and stakeholders believe the new leadership will be expected to build on the foundations laid by previous administrations while navigating emerging socio-political realities affecting the Niger Delta and the broader Nigerian federation.
Chief Igbadiwei is expected to unveil members of his executive council and present the policy direction of his administration in the coming weeks, as expectations continue to rise among Ijaw communities at home and abroad regarding the future direction of the congress.
The inauguration ceremony has already been widely described in related publications and discussions across regional media platforms as a historic transition that could shape a new phase of advocacy, unity, and strategic engagement for the Ijaw nation.
