The Idoma Area Traditional Council has invalidated the chieftaincy title recently bestowed on President Bola Tinubu and four other dignitaries during the Igede Agba yam festival in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The honour, received on behalf of the President by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, was conferred by the Adiharu of Igede, His Royal Highness CP Oga Ero (retd.), during the Saturday celebration. Four other personalities were also decorated at the same event.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC), led by its President and Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, said the conferment violated an existing directive suspending all chieftaincy titles in the Idoma nation.
The statement, signed by the council’s secretary, Mr. Adegbe Uloko, and titled “Nullification of Purported Chieftaincy Titles Conferred by the Igede Traditional Council,” stressed that the move ran contrary to its declaration of September 2, 2025.
The council stated:
“The purported conferment of chieftaincy titles by the Igede Traditional Council on September 6, 2025, is in direct violation of the Declaration of the Idoma Area Traditional Council. Such conferments are null, void, and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect.”
Reasserting its authority, the IATC emphasised that it remained the sole government-recognised traditional body in the Idoma nation. It further cautioned that any actions taken in disregard of its directives amounted to a breach of the law.
The council therefore advised the public, government agencies, and traditional stakeholders to dismiss the titles awarded to President Tinubu and the others.
“This pronouncement is made to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions in Benue State, to uphold due process and to maintain peace, unity, and order within the Idoma Area Traditional Council,” the statement added.
Just last week, the IATC had announced a suspension of all chieftaincy conferments within its domain, citing the need for reforms and proper regulation of the process.
