The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has declared null and void the chieftaincy titles recently conferred on President Bola Tinubu and four other dignitaries at the Igede Agba yam festival held in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The titles were bestowed by the Adiharu of Igede, His Royal Highness CP (Rtd.) Oga Ero, during the September 6, 2025 celebration, with Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, accepting the President’s title on his behalf.
In a statement released on Monday, the IATC, led by His Royal Majesty Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, known as Och’Idoma V and President of the Council, described the conferment as a direct violation of an earlier directive issued by the Council.
The directive, dated September 2, 2025, suspended all chieftaincy title conferments across the Idoma nation in a move aimed at sanitising and regulating the process.
The statement, signed by Mr. Adegbe Uloko, Secretary of the Council, emphasized that the titles conferred on September 6 were “null, void, and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect.”
The Council reaffirmed its position as the only government-recognised traditional authority in Idoma land, warning that any acts contrary to its directives constitute a breach of extant law.
The Council urged the general public, government institutions, and traditional stakeholders to disregard the conferred titles and not accord any recognition to the recipients.
The move was described as necessary to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions in Benue State, uphold due process, and maintain peace, unity, and order within the Idoma community.
In further context, the IATC governs chieftaincy affairs under the Benue State Chieftaincy Law of 2016 and wields authority over customary titles within its domain.
The suspension of all chieftaincy title conferments across various Intermediate Area Councils, including Oju and others, aimed to ensure that future conferments strictly follow legal and traditional guidelines.
The Igede Traditional Council’s action in conferring the titles despite the suspension sparked the nullification statement from the IATC.
The Council’s pronouncement serves as a clear reminder that adherence to established protocols and respect for recognised traditional authorities are essential for maintaining cultural order and legitimacy in the region.
This development highlights ongoing efforts by traditional institutions in Benue State to strengthen governance, enforce customary laws, and resolve conflicts related to chieftaincy titles.
