By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has nullified chieftaincy titles purportedly conferred by the Ward Head of Akpoge/Ogbilolo in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, including a title reportedly bestowed on the state’s Deputy Speaker.
The council announced the decision in an official statement issued by its Secretary, Mr Adegbe Uloko, on behalf of the Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo John, who is also Vice Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.
According to the statement, the conferment of the titles on August 29 violated the council’s directives and established traditional procedures governing the award of chieftaincy titles in Idoma land.
The IATC said the action contravened its declaration of September 1, 2025, signed by Uloko on behalf of the Och’Idoma V and President of the council.
It cited Part 1, Section 7(d) of the Benue State Chieftaincy Law 2016, as amended, as providing the legal basis for the Och’Idoma’s authority over such matters.
The council maintained that the IATC remains the supreme traditional institution in Idoma land, with recognised authority over chieftaincy matters within its jurisdiction.
Consequently, it declared all chieftaincy titles purportedly conferred by the Ward Head of Akpoge/Ogbilolo or any other ward head in Ado LGA on August 29 “annulled and void,” with no legal, customary or traditional effect.
The council also announced the immediate withdrawal of titles previously conferred by the IATC on any title holders who participated in the disputed conferment at Agila or elsewhere on August 29.
It urged members of the public, government institutions and traditional stakeholders to disregard the affected titles and accord them no recognition.
The council warned that any action contrary to its directives would constitute a breach of existing laws governing the traditional institution.
It said the decision was taken to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions in Benue State, uphold due process and promote peace, unity and order within the Idoma traditional institution.
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