OKOCHIRI — The Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, has issued a scathing disclaimer dissociating himself from any political appointment or affiliation with the “Renewed Hope” campaign structures.
In a stern official statement released by his palace on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the monarch described reports naming him as the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the political pressure group “Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN)” as a “deliberate act of deception”.
A Direct Rejection of Political “Coercion”
The monarch was unequivocal in his rejection of the role, addressing the organisers of the City Boy Movement and the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, directly. King Ateke Tom warned that the unauthorized use of his name and royal authority was not only disrespectful but “sacrilegious”.
“I never accepted, consented to, or was appointed to serve as a coordinator or hold any position whatsoever in RTIFN or any political structure,” the King declared. “Using my name without my knowledge or approval is deeply disrespectful, sacrilegious, and completely unacceptable”.
Courtesy vs. Endorsement
The Palace clarified that while representatives of the RTIFN national leadership had paid “courtesy visits” to the King on February 3 and February 6, 2026, these visits were strictly in line with royal hospitality and did not constitute an endorsement or acceptance of any political office.
Key points from the Palace Disclaimer:
- Unauthorized Publication:Â The King condemned the circulation of posters and banners portraying him as a zonal coordinator for the pro-Tinubu group.
- Warning to Organisers:Â A “serious warning” was issued to Seyi Tinubu and the City Boy Movement leadership to immediately cease associating the King with any political agenda.
- Sovereign Integrity:Â The statement emphasized that the throne of Okochiri Kingdom remains an independent traditional institution that will not be “dragged into matters” without explicit consent.
Rising Political Tensions
The King’s reaction comes amid growing public scrutiny of the City Boy Movement’s recruitment strategy in the South-South and Southeast. Just days prior, on February 3, billionaire businessman Obi Cubana drew mixed reactions after accepting a similar role as South-East Coordinator for the movement following a visit from Seyi Tinubu.
For King Ateke Tom, however, the move was seen as an attempt to “subjugate” traditional authority for political gain. “Is it by force to join your father’s campaign?” posters circulating alongside the disclaimer questioned, reflecting a deepening resistance in parts of the Niger Delta to the presidency’s grassroots mobilization tactics.
The Palace has directed all parties involved to immediately withdraw any materials linking the King to the RTIFN, warning of “necessary actions” to protect the dignity of the traditional institution.
