The Ijaw National Congress (INC) worldwide on Tuesday mourned renowned activist Ebiserikumo Gbassa, describing his death as a huge blow to the Ijaw nation.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, the INC’s National Publicity Secretary.
According to Oyakemeagbegha, Gbassa, a firebrand activist known across the Niger Delta and beyond, died on 6 June at the age of 68.
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The INC said it received the news of the activist’s passing with great sadness.
“Gbassa was a renowned activist and passionate advocate for the Ijaw cause. As a crusader for justice and equity, he championed good governance and believed in the total emancipation of all citizens.
“Gbassa will be remembered for his pivotal roles in forming the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality (MOSIEND).
“His fearlessness and determination during the OPC–Ijaw crisis in Ajegunle, Lagos State, will not be quickly forgotten.”
Oyakemeagbegha further noted that Gbassa, during his lifetime, was a persistent critic of successive governments in Bayelsa and a committed advocate for good governance, human rights, and justice for the oppressed.
“He also played critical roles in several historic struggles, including being one of the Ijaw youths who confronted and resisted the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) during the violent ethnic clashes in Ajegunle in the early 2000s.
“His involvement in that resistance earned him the enduring nickname, The Great Messenger.
“The late Gbassa was also a founding member of two of Ijaw’s most influential organisations the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and MOSIEND.
“These platforms have been instrumental in shaping the Ijaw struggle for self-determination, environmental justice, and inclusion in Nigeria’s federal structure,” Oyakemeagbegha added.
