A fresh ownership controversy has placed Fidelity Bank in the spotlight following reports linking Tompolo to a major share purchase.
The Niger Delta businessman, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, is popularly known as Tompolo.
Reports claim he acquired about 1.14 billion Fidelity Bank shares in July 2025. He has also allegedly continued buying shares in the bank.
According to reports cited by Billionaires Africa, the purchase involved an off-market transaction with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
However, the claims have sparked questions about the businessman’s actual stake in the financial institution.
The reported 1.14 billion shares represent approximately 2.3 per cent of Fidelity Bank’s outstanding shares.
This means the reported transaction alone does not make Tompolo the bank’s owner or establish control over its operations.
The businessman and Fidelity Bank have both disputed claims surrounding his alleged ownership position.
Therefore, reports describing him as the bank’s largest shareholder remain a subject of controversy.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has also been mentioned in the ownership debate.
Obi previously served as Fidelity Bank’s chairman.
However, he has dismissed claims that he owns the financial institution.
Meanwhile, attention has turned to the bank’s leadership as its current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, approaches the end of her tenure.
Her tenure is expected to end in December 2026.
The reported Tompolo Fidelity Bank shares purchase has raised questions about the bank’s ownership structure and the influence of major investors.
