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By Tracy Moses
The paramount ruler of the Idoma nation, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, has ordered an immediate halt to the conferment of chieftaincy titles across Idomaland until further notice.
The suspension affects all Intermediate Area Councils, including but not limited to Apa/Agatu, Otukpo/Ohimini, Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, and Oju/Obi 3.
Dr. Elaigwu, who also serves as President of the Idoma Area Traditional Council and Vice Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, made it clear that any conferment of titles without his express approval would be considered invalid and unrecognized by both the Idoma Area Traditional Council and the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by Adegbe Uloko, Secretary of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, and circulated to journalists in Makurdi.
The monarch stressed: “With immediate effect, no Intermediate Area Council, community, or institution is permitted to confer, endorse, or announce any form of chieftaincy title until further directive is issued by the Paramount Ruler and the Idoma Area Traditional Council.”
He warned that any violation of the order would attract serious consequences, noting that such conferments would be declared “null, void, and of no effect,” and that defaulters could face additional traditional or legal sanctions as appropriate.
The Ochi’Idoma explained that his action was in line with the Chieftaincy Law of 2016 (as amended in 2023), which requires that all title conferments within the Tiv and Idoma Area Traditional Councils must first be approved by the respective paramount ruler and council.
According to him, the law is designed to regulate and safeguard the process of chieftaincy conferments, curb indiscriminate titles, and uphold the sanctity of traditional institutions.
Reaffirming the Council’s resolve to preserve the heritage and dignity of the Idoma people, the royal father declared that henceforth, all chieftaincy titles in his domain would only be granted under lawful authority and proper procedure, reflecting honour, service, and cultural values.