By Akpokona Omafuaire

The city of Warri stood still in celebration weekend as the Ijaw National Congress inaugurated the High Chief McDonald Igbadiwe led new leadership amid an outpouring of culture, colour and passionate calls for unity among the Ijaw people.

The event, which attracted monarchs, delegates and dignitaries from across the Niger Delta and beyond, turned into a vibrant cultural spectacle as traditional dancers, and musical troupes thrilled guests in an atmosphere filled with excitement and renewed hope for the future of the Congress.

Clad in richly embroidered attires and colourful wrappers, men, women and youths from different Ijaw clans converged on the Tunde Smooth playground venue singing solidarity songs and displaying symbols of their cultural heritage.

The rhythmic sounds of talking drums, guitars, local flutes and traditional chants echoed across the gathering as the Ijaw nation celebrated a new chapter in its leadership journey.

The arena became electric the moment High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo flanked by High Chief Kestin Pondi entered the arena and proceeded to greet monarchs and dignitaries.

The inauguration ceremony reflected not only the political importance of the Congress but also the deep cultural identity that binds the Ijaw people together despite geographical and political differences.

Vice Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM King Seiyifa Koroye Eleco, in his speech affirmed that the Congress maintained the highest possible standards in the election that brought in the new members of the executive committee.

HRM King S. P. Luke, Kalamana XIII, Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom who inaugurated the new leadership called for unity and synergy of Ijaw nation to enable the executive succeed.

In his acceptance speech, High Chief McDonald Igbadiwe Esq, newly inaugurated President of the Congress pledged to lead with fairness, inclusiveness and commitment to the collective aspirations of the Ijaw nation. He called for greater unity among stakeholders and urged members to place the interest of the ethnic nationality above personal ambitions and divisions.

According to him, the challenges confronting the Niger Delta — including environmental degradation, underdevelopment, unemployment and insecurity — require a united and strategic approach.

“To our co-contestants, I would like to use this medium to invite all of you to join us as we work together to build the Ijaw Nation of our dreams. The task ahead will not be easy, but it will certainly be worthwhile. Let history remember this generation as the generation that united the Ijaw Nation and moved it forward permanently. This is the time for a new beginning: A time to heal old wounds; A time to restore confidence among ourselves; A time to speak with one united voice for the future of the Ijaw Nation.

“To our traditional rulers and elders, we seek your prayers, wisdom, and guidance as we navigate this new chapter together. During my campaign, among other promises, I pledged to provide mobility support to three zones and the four chapters of the INC in Nigeria. Today, I stand before you to fulfill that promise by donating three coastal buses to the Western, Central, and Eastern Zones, as well as four eighteen-seater buses to the Lagos, Abuja, Akure, and Benin Chapters of the INC.

“Today, let us renew our commitment to unity. Let us renew our commitment to peace. Let us renew our commitment to cultural pride. Let us renew our commitment to the greatness of the Ijaw Nation.

“History will judge us by what we build together from this moment onward. Let this administration become a symbol of reconciliation, development, and collective progress. Together, we shall rise above division.

“Together, we shall defend our heritage. Together, we shall protect our communities and environment. Together, we shall build a stronger, united, and prosperous Ijaw Nation for generations yet unborn”, he added.

Earlier in his remarks, outgoing president of the Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba said, “Make real and urgent too, your promise to reconcile with any aggrieved persons on all matters – including the outcome of the last election.

“Consolidate and leverage our UNPO membership. This is your strongest weapon for international advocacy. Set up the Self Determination Committee recommended by the 2026 National Convention. Continue the fight for Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states, and more LGAs for Bayelsa State. Do not relent until our people have their own states and more LGAs.

“Defend and update the Pan-Ijaw map. Let no one erase our identity again. Deepen the intellectual struggle. Establish research and policy units to lead the charge on fiscal federalism.

“And to the entire Ijaw Nation: do not abandon this Congress. Support the leadership, engage and criticise them when necessary but always constructively, not destructively. Pay your dues as at when due, attend your meetings, and hold your leaders accountable.

“To those I offended in the line of duty, I ask for your forgiveness. To those who insulted me, criticised everything I did, correctly or for lack of understanding, I wish to also appreciate you. You kept me on my toes and made me ever conscious of my responsibilities and obligations to Ijaw Nation.

“To those who stood by me even when it was not popular to do so, I give my deepest gratitude for the unwavering trust in my capacity to deliver on our collective mandate. For those offended because we could not satisfy their desire or live up to their expectations, please forgive us, because we are also imperfect, just like you.

“High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei, take this mantle with courage. You will be criticised. You will be tested. But remember: the Ijaw nation is watching, and the Niger Delta is waiting. Lead well. The mercies of our Lord that saw me through, are abundantly available and reachable to you. I wish you a peaceful and more impactful tenure. May God bless the Ijaw National Congress. May God bless the Ijaw Nation.” he said.

Traditional rulers and elder statesmen who spoke during the event described the inauguration as a significant moment for the Ijaw people, urging the new leadership to strengthen internal cohesion and sustain advocacy on issues affecting oil-producing communities.

They also emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence among ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, noting that unity remains critical to achieving meaningful development in the region.

Beyond the speeches and political undertones, the ceremony became a celebration of Ijaw heritage. Different cultural groups showcased energetic dance performances while women groups entertained guests with traditional songs that highlighted the history, struggles and resilience of the Ijaw people.

Youth organisations also used the occasion to call for greater inclusion in leadership and decision-making processes within the Congress. Many expressed optimism that the new executives would create opportunities for young people and champion policies capable of improving livelihoods in riverine communities.

Security personnel maintained a strong presence throughout the event as guests, political associates and supporters continued celebrations into the late afternoon..

For many participants, the inauguration represented more than a routine leadership transition. It was seen as a symbolic reaffirmation of the unity, strength and cultural pride of one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic nationalities.

As celebrations gradually wound down in Warri, expectations remained high that the new leadership would build bridges across divides and reposition the Congress as a stronger voice for the Ijaw people and the broader Niger Delta region.