Idoma Traditional Council Nullifies Chieftaincy Titles

To uphold traditional governance, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has declared null and void the chieftaincy titles conferred on certain persons 6th September, 2025, by His Royal Highness, Retired Commissioner of Police, Oga Ero, Adirahu Ny’Igede. The council stated that the exercise lacked legal, customary, or traditional validity.

The decision was contained in an official statement signed by the council secretary, Mr. Adegbe Uloko, representing His Royal Majesty, Agaba Idu, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, Och’Idoma V, president of the IATC and vice chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Background to this declaration includes a prior suspension issued by the council on 2nd September, 2025, which halted all conferments of chieftaincy titles across Idoma land until further notice.

The suspension affects several Intermediate Area Councils, including Apa and Agatu, Otukpo and Ohimini, Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo, and Oju and Obi. The council’s statement underscored that any conferment executed in defiance of this directive would be rendered null, void and of no effect.

The IATC referenced the Benue State of Nigeria Gazette No. 12, Vol. 41, dated 20th October 2016, which outlines the roles of Area Traditional Councils in matters related to customary law, cultural affairs, and chieftaincy issues. Subsection (d) specifically empowers these Councils to determine matters relating to chieftaincy and govern the issuing of traditional titles within their regions.

It emphasised that the authority for such conferrals lies with the two Paramount Rulers of Benue State — the Och’Idoma and the Tor Tiv – who act as chairpersons of their respective councils. Consequently, any award of chieftaincy titles must receive prior approval from the Paramount Ruler and the Area Council, per the Chieftaincy Law of 2016.

According to the statement, the conferments made by the Igede Traditional Council on 6th September, 2025, were, therefore, in direct violation of the declaration of 2nd September, 2025, and contrary to the provisions of the extant law.

In light of these considerations,  IATC asked government institutions, traditional stakeholders, and the general public to disregard any titles purportedly conferred, saying: “The annulling of these titles aims to protect the integrity of traditional institutions in Benue State, uphold due process, and ensure peace, unity, and order within the Idoma community.”

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Idoma Area Traditional Council’s commitment to safeguarding the heritage associated with chieftaincy titles. It insists that future conferments will only occur under lawful authority and stringent adherence to established regulations.