Tiv Traditional Council Honours FA Chairman, Wife, Others

The chairman of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Chief Paul Edeh, has paid tribute to the paramount ruler of Tiv Nation, Tor Tiv, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and his Idoma counterpart, Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, for their significant influence in his life.

Chief Edeh’s commendation followed the conferral of Tiv honourific chieftaincy titles upon him and his wife, Chief Mrs Paula Paul-Edeh, and other prominent Nigerians, including Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, by the Tor Tiv.

During the title conferral, the Tor Tiv proclaimed, “By the powers conferred on me, I bestow upon you the title of Wandoo U Dedoo U Tiv, Good Neighbour of the Tiv Nation, and to your wife, Paula Edeh, the title of Ashegbenda U Wandoo U Dedoo U Tiv, the dependable wife of the Good Neighbour of the Tiv Nation.”

In his address, the Tor Tiv elaborated that the honours were awarded to individuals whose public conduct exemplifies goodwill, peaceful coexistence, and respect for Tiv culture and values.
He emphasised that character, service, and a commitment to unity were the foundations for the titles approved by the Tiv Area Traditional Council.

Other honourees included former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, his wife, and other esteemed individuals from public service, politics, academia, and community leadership.
Following the ceremony, Chief Edeh described the honour as historic and profoundly humbling, stating, “I recognise that I am the first Idoma son in the history of the Tiv Nation to receive this title. I do not take it lightly; it is a responsibility I accept with humility and a clear sense of duty.”
He expressed his intention to use this recognition to foster inter-ethnic understanding and cooperation: “This honour will serve as a bridge. I aim to further close the gaps that sometimes exist between the Tiv and Idoma peoples, promoting peace, trust, and genuine neighbourliness.”
Chief Edeh commended the Tiv Area Traditional Council for the honour and vowed to uphold the moral responsibilities associated with the title: “A title of this nature requires one to live above board. I am committed to behaving in a manner that reflects the values, discipline, and unity that the Tiv Nation embodies.”

During the event, Chief Edeh announced a donation of Ten Million Naira to support education and cultural preservation, with Five Million Naira allocated to the Tiv Educational Trust Fund and another Five Million Naira dedicated to launching the Tiv Dictionary, a project aimed at preserving the Tiv language for future generations.

Chief Edeh also holds the chieftaincy title of Oojela K’Idoma, meaning “Generosity” or “Liberality of Idoma Kingdom,” bestowed upon him by the Idoma Area Traditional Council under the authority of His Royal Majesty, Agaba Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John CON PFD PhD, the Och Idoma. With this second title from the Tiv Area Traditional Council, he becomes the only individual in Benue State to hold honourific titles recognised by both the Tiv and Idoma traditional institutions, symbolising harmony and mutual respect between the two kingdoms.
As a sports administrator and advocate for football development, Chief Edeh currently serves as Chairman of the Benue State Football Association. Through this role, he champions grassroots football development, coach and referee training, and the organisation of state-level competitions.
The event was celebrated as a powerful declaration of cultural unity and inter-communal cooperation, reflecting the Tiv Nation’s commitment to character, service, and peaceful coexistence.