By Felix Ofou

What seemed like a improbable narrative had been churned out by his opponents and their supporters. The thrust of the message was clear: He was not on ground. Yes, he’s a flyer, a businessman and always travelling all over the world to make more money. They argued that such a man was not fit to be elected to represent his people.

For a while, it would seem as though the traducers have had their way. Petty bloggers and online warriors were also recruited to do amplify the narrative. But these hirelings never told us why those who paid them want a man’s seat so desperately as to want to malign him. Neither did they say what their benefactors have to offer differently.

Now, the cloak is off. And the man at the centre of the controversy has finally come out. Indeed, Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas has come out to tell his own story. And in doing so, he has won greater support from his people of Delta South Senatorial District that he was elected to represent in 2023.

He did not call a press conference to tell the story. Neither did he grant radio or television interview. Senator Onowakpo-Thomas did not also rent a crowd, as some would have done. He opted for a town hall meeting. The reason, being to meet with segments that make up the constituency and dialogue with them. It turned out to be a better strategy in the end.

So far, two town hall meetings have been summoned. This was done strategically to capture the ethnic groups that make up the constituency. Delta South consists of the Isoko, Ijaw and Itsekiri people, with the Urhobo ethnic stock being a minority. The Senator has met with a segment of the Isoko and Ijaw people. The result? Overwhelming endorsement for another term.

But, the conferment of a traditional title on Joel Onowakpo-Thomas by the Paramount ruler of Gbaramatu kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II was the icing on the cake. He was conferred with the title, Ebitabowei, which translates to Lover of Gbaramatu kingdom. The royal father explained that the choice of the title was as a result of Joel- Onowakpo’s outstanding performance in Ijaw land.

Given that Okerenkoko, the home of the Egbesu deity to which the Ijaw people subscribe to is in Gbaramatu kingdom, the import of the title on Senator Joel-Onowakpo cannot be overemphasized. More so as he later participated in the ancient dance of the people, along with Chief Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, the famed Chief Priest of Egbesu deity same day.

However, the outing with the Isoko people was no less impressive. In attendance were most of the traditional rulers in Isoko, President of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), the socio-cultural umbrella body of the tribe, chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Isoko North and South LGAs and other stakeholders.

So remarkable was the encounter with the Isoko people that Joel-Onowakpo earned immediate endorsement to run for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections. It was truly homecoming for the village boy.

The endorsement was made on Saturday, April 4, 2026 during a senatorial briefing held at the lawmaker’s country home in Emede, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Addressing a large gathering of stakeholders, Senator Joel-Onowakpo recalled the collective resolve of the Isoko people in 2022 to produce a senator for Delta South, noting that the decision had elevated the status of the ethnic nationality.

“In 2022, we agreed as a people that Isoko should represent Delta South Senatorial District, and we stood firm to ensure victory. Today, Isoko is respected in the comity of nations because we said it and we did it. I am a product of that struggle, and I thank you all,” he said.

The senator highlighted his achievements within two years and ten months in office, despite spending nearly one year in court over post-election litigations. He emphasized that, as a first-time lawmaker with no prior legislative experience, he had quickly risen to prominence in the Senate.

According to him, he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, alongside membership in several other strategic committees.

He also listed a number of legislative milestones, including the passage of the bill establishing the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, which has now been signed into law, giving the institution full legal backing and access to federal funding.

Other legislative efforts include bills on agricultural research, federal medical and educational institutions, oil and gas development, and ICT advancement, many of which have scaled various stages in the National Assembly and are awaiting presidential assent.

Beyond lawmaking, the senator outlined constituency interventions, including the distribution of over 2,000 bags of fertilizer, empowerment programmes for over 500 constituents through SMEDAN, training of more than 1,000 beneficiaries in specialized skills such as shipbuilding, and employment opportunities facilitated in agencies such as the Police, Navy and other federal institutions.

He stressed that the achievements recorded so far were made with limited resources, assuring the people that he would deliver more if given another mandate.

“What you gave me is what I have used to achieve these results in the last two years and ten months. If given another opportunity, I will do much more because I am committed to doing more for our people,” he stated.
Using a local proverb, the senator added: “If a man can catch a lion with his bare hands, imagine what he can do if given a gun,” underscoring his readiness to expand on his performance.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo cautioned against political regression, urging the Isoko people to consolidate on the gains already made rather than “starting afresh.”

He emphasized the importance of experience, strategic positioning, and access to power in delivering meaningful development.

“For Isoko to move forward, we must be present where decisions are made. It must be intentional. I assure you that I will continue to represent Isoko strongly and visibly,” he said.

In his remarks, President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, commended the senator’s performance and affirmed the collective resolve of the Isoko nation to support his re-election.

He noted that past experiences had seen the Isoko people shortchanged in the senatorial race, stressing that the current momentum must be sustained.

“We will work assiduously to ensure his return to the Senate. This is in the overall interest of the Isoko nation and Delta South,” Akpotu said.

His Royal Majesty, the Ovie of Ozoro, Anthony Ogbogbo, Ebuka II who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers praised Joel-Onowakpo’s outing so far in the upper legislative chamber. He said it was only fitting for him to return for a second term to deliver more dividends of democracy.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo, described the briefing as timely and necessary, especially following recent political realignments.

He urged the people to remain united and committed to the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 elections, calling for massive voter turnout in support of the governor and President Bola Tinubu.

Highlight of the meeting was the unanimous passage of a vote of confidence on Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas alongside a firm resolution to support his return to the red chamber.

The Isoko nation also resolved to constitute a committee to engage other aspirants from the area, with the aim of persuading them to rally behind Senator Onowakpo-Thomas in the overall interest of the people.

The event was attended by political leaders, including the member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; member representing Isoko South Constituency II, Hon. Ferguson Onwo; Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh; Chairman Delta State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Paul Oweh, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Chairman Isoko South APC, Victor Ekelega and his Isoko North counterpart Sunday Omonakome, party leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and religious leaders from across the Isoko nation.

By and large, it is now obvious that the senator has proved the Doubting Thomases wrong. He has earned greater confidence of his constituents.