Highly disrespectful – Ateke Tom fumes over alleged Tinubu’s campaign appointment

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Ex-Niger Delta agitator turned tradition ruler, King Ateke Tom, has described claim that he has been appointed as the South-South Zonal Coordinator of “Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN)” campaign as false and highly disrespectful.

King Ateke Tom, the Amanayabo of Okochiri Kingdom, said this in reaction to a poster circulating with his name and picture as the coordinator of ‘Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria’ project.

In a statement by Chief. Dr. Chris Biriowu Opuayaraya, his spokesperson on Tuesday, Ateke Tom affirmed that he never consented or approved to be appointed a Coordinator or hold any position whatsoever in RTIFN or any other political structure.

The tradition ruler said while representatives of the National and South-South Zonal bodies of RTIFN visited his Palace on Tuesday, 3rd of February and Friday the 6th of February 2026, the visits were purely courtesy visits in line with the Palace’s culture of hospitality.

“At no time did His Majesty give approval, endorsement, or authorization for the use of his name, image, title, or royal office,”Opuayaraya said in the statement.

“The continued use of the sacred image and royal authority of His Majesty without consent is viewed by the Palace as a gross misrepresentation, a deliberate act of deception, and a direct affront to the Throne of Okochiri Kingdom. Such conduct is deeply disrespectful, sacrilegious, and unacceptable, and it undermines the integrity of the traditional institution.

The Palace therefore issues this final warning: All individuals and organisations involved are hereby directed to immediately cease and desist from associating His Majesty, the Throne, or the Okochiri Kingdom with RTIFN in any form. All false publications, banners, and materials must be withdrawn without delay.

The Throne of Okochiri Kingdom will not tolerate further misuse of royal identity or authority, and the Palace reserves the right to take all necessary actions to protect the sanctity, dignity, and honour of the King and the traditional institution.

“This statement serves as official notice and warning to all engaging in this disrespectful act,” the statement by Ateke Tom’s spokesperson concluded.