Idoma area traditional council suspends conferment of chieftaincy titles to individuals

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Paramount ruler of Idoma kingdom, HRM, Agaba-Idu Elaigwu Odogbo John, President, Idoma Area Traditional Council & Vice Chairman, Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, on Wednesday announced the indefinite suspension of conferment of Idoma chieftaincy titles on any individual(s).

He insisted that with immediate effect, no Intermediate Area Council or community is permitted to confer, approve, or announce any Chieftaincy title of any category until further notice.

The rather maintained that the essence of the directive was to regulate and safeguard the conferment of titles, thereby preventing indiscriminate proliferation and preserving the sanctity of the traditional institution. 

This was made known on Wednesday in a statement by the Secretary, Idoma Area Traditional Council, Adegbe Uloko.

He explained that the declarations were issued pursuant to the powers vested in the Paramount Ruler and the Idoma Area Traditional Council, and in line with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law of 2016 (as amended).

The Och’Idoma alluded that in accordance with part II section 7 (d) of the chieftaincy law of 2016 (as 2023 amended), stipulated that all conferments of Chieftaincy titles within the two Area Traditional Councils (Tiv and Idoma) must receive prior approval from the Paramount Ruler and the respective Area Traditional Council. 

According to him, the intent of this provision was to regulate and safeguard the conferment of titles, thereby preventing indiscriminate proliferation and preserving the sanctity of our traditional institution. 

Parts of the statement read: “By the directive of His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, CON, President of the Idoma Area Traditional Council and Vice Chairman, Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, all conferments of Chieftaincy titles across the Intermediate Area Councils are hereby suspended forthwith. 

“The affected Intermediate Area Councils include, but are not limited to Apa / Agatu * — Otukpo / Ohimini Ado / Okpokwu / Ogbadibo Oju / Obi 3,

“With immediate effect, no Intermediate Area Council or community is permitted to confer, approve, or announce any Chieftaincy title of any category until further directive is issued by the Paramount Ruler and the Idoma Area Traditional Council. 

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“This suspension is binding on all persons, groups, and institutions within Idoma land. Any Chieftaincy title conferred in contravention of this declaration shall be deemed null, void, and of no effect”. 

The statement further says any unauthorized conferments shall not receive recognition from the Paramount Ruler, the Idoma Area Traditional Council, or the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, while defaulters may be subjected to further traditional and legal sanctions as deemed appropriate by the competent authorities. 

 Agabaidu  reaffirmed  the Idoma Traditional Council’s commitment towards protecting the integrity and heritage of Chieftaincy titles in Idoma land.

He added that conferment of titles shall continue to reflect honour, service, and cultural value, and will only be carried out under lawful authority and due process.