BREAKING: Igbadiwei Takes Oath of Office as INC President

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

Following an electoral process by Ijaw National Congress, INC , held in Ijaw House ,sometimes April 2026, where Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei emerged as president-elect.

The new President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) on Thursday May 14 2026 was sworn-in following a formal valedictory and handover session that marked the end of Prof. Benjamin Okaba’s tenure.

The ceremony, held in the presence of numerous traditional rulers, including High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, Top government functionaries, INC stakeholders, elders, youth leaders, and delegates, formally transferred authority from the outgoing administration to the newly elected executive led by Igbadiwei.

In his valedictory remarks, Prof. Okaba reviewed the achievements of his administration and urged the incoming leadership to sustain unity, cultural preservation, and advocacy for the Ijaw people, state creation and additional local government creation in Bayelsa States. He commended the INC congress for conducting a peaceful transition and called on members to support the new president in advancing the congress’s mandate.

Taking the oath of office, Chief Igbadiwei pledged to uphold the constitution of the INC and to work toward strengthening the socio-political and economic interests of the Ijaw nation. He described the transition as a demonstration of the congress’s commitment to democratic values and internal cohesion.

The handover session also featured goodwill messages from traditional rulers, leaders , women, youth groups, and representatives of Ijaw communities across the Niger Delta and the diaspora. Speakers emphasized the need for continuity in engagements with government, oil companies, and civil society on issues affecting the region, including environmental justice, resource control, and youth empowerment.

The INC, founded in 1991, is the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Ijaw people, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups. The leadership change comes at a time of renewed discussions around regional development, security, and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act in the Niger Delta.

However, Chief Igbadiwei is expected to unveil his executive council and policy direction in the coming weeks.