The Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom and Sekuro of Niger Delta, HRM Dr. Ateke Michael Tom (JP), has dissociated himself from a political pressure group, Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), warning individuals and organisations against using his name, image or royal authority for political activities.
In an official disclaimer issued by the Palace, the monarch described as false and disrespectful a publication portraying him as the South-South Zonal Coordinator of RTIFN. The Palace stated categorically that the king neither accepted nor consented to any appointment or role within the group.
“Let it be stated clearly, unequivocally, and without any ambiguity that His Majesty never accepted, never consented, and was never appointed to serve as a coordinator or hold any position whatsoever in RTIFN or any political structure,” the statement said.
The Palace acknowledged that representatives of RTIFN’s national and South-South leadership paid courtesy visits to the Palace on February 3 and February 6, 2026, but stressed that the visits were purely in line with the Palace’s tradition of hospitality and did not amount to endorsement or approval.
“At no time did His Majesty give approval, endorsement, or authorization for the use of his name, image, title, or royal office,” the statement added.
According to the Palace, the continued association of the monarch with the group without consent amounts to gross misrepresentation and a deliberate act of deception, describing it as an affront to the Throne of Okochiri Kingdom and an action that undermines the integrity of the traditional institution.
The Palace issued a final warning, directing all individuals and organisations involved to immediately cease and desist from linking the king, the Throne, or Okochiri Kingdom with RTIFN in any form. It also demanded the withdrawal of all false publications, banners and materials bearing such claims.
“The Throne of Okochiri Kingdom will not tolerate further misuse of royal identity or authority,” the statement warned, adding that the Palace reserves the right to take all necessary actions to protect the dignity and sanctity of the traditional institution.
The disclaimer was signed by Dr. Chris Biriowu Opuayaraya, Mouthpiece of HRM Ateke Michael Tom
