The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has announced the nullifying of the chieftaincy title recently conferred by a local monarch on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Igede Agba Yam Festival held in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
Tinubu’s titled had been conferred by the Adirahu of Igede, His Royal Highness, CP (Rtd.) Oga Ero, during the festival this last Saturday, alongside four other dignitaries.
The honour had been accepted on behalf of Tinubu by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
However, in a Monday release, the Idoma Area Traditional Council, headed by its President and Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, declared the action a breach of its standing directive suspending all conferments of chieftaincy titles in Idoma land.
Issued by the IATC secretary, Mr. Adegbe Uloko, the statement is titled “Nullification of Purported Chieftaincy Titles Conferred by the Igede Traditional Council.”
The statement emphasised that the conferment was in disregard of its declaration of September 2, 2025.
Quoting the council, it read: “The purported conferment of chieftaincy titles by the Igede Traditional Council on September 6, 2025, is in direct violation of the Declaration of the Idoma Area Traditional Council. Such conferments are null, void, and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect.”
The IATC stressed that it is the sole authority recognised by government within the Idoma nation. It further cautioned that any disregard for its orders constitutes a violation of the law.
It called on the public, traditional stakeholders, and state institutions to ignore the titles allegedly conferred on President Tinubu and others.
The IATC added: “This pronouncement is made to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions in Benue State, to uphold due process and to maintain peace, unity, and order within the Idoma Area Traditional Council.”
