Idoma can produce Benue governor through strategic unity — Och’Idoma

The Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Nation, His Royal Majesty, Agaba’Idu (Dr.) Elaigwu Odogbo John, has said the Idoma people possess the capacity to produce a governor of Benue State if they embrace unity, strategic planning and collective action.

Speaking at the Idoma Centenary Plus Lecture Series 2026 in Otukpo, the Och’Idoma urged political leaders and stakeholders to put the interest of the Idoma nation above personal ambitions and political divisions.

According to the monarch, political influence should be deployed to secure communities, attract development, empower young people and women, and strengthen the position of the Idoma people within Benue State and Nigeria.

“I call upon all Idoma political actors—past, present and aspiring—to remember that positions are temporary, but the Idoma Nation is enduring,” he said.

He stressed that the Idoma people must rise above bitterness, disunity and narrow interests if they hope to achieve greater political relevance.

“The time has come for Idoma politics to rise above bitterness, disunity and narrow interests. We must embrace unity over division, vision over selfish ambition, service over titles, development over personal gain and collective interest over individual pursuit,” he stated.

The traditional ruler noted that a strategic and united approach would create the pathway for an Idoma son or daughter to occupy the highest political offices in the state and beyond.

“Political influence must be used to secure our communities, attract development, empower our youths and women, protect our land and heritage, and build stronger relationships with neighbouring communities and the wider Nigerian society. This will pave the way for an Idoma man or woman to steer the leadership not only as governor of Benue State but also in other strategic institutions and ministries,” he said.

The Och’Idoma lamented that despite the numerous achievements of Idoma sons and daughters across various sectors, the people have yet to translate individual successes into collective political advancement.

He described the Idoma Nation as a people blessed with resilience, intelligence, creativity and excellence, noting that its sons and daughters have distinguished themselves in academia, medicine, law, public administration, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, agriculture, security services and politics.

“History teaches us that no people attain greatness simply because a few individuals succeed. Great nations emerge when their professionals become nation-builders and when politics becomes an instrument of development rather than division,” he said.

The royal father further challenged the Idoma people to reflect on critical questions concerning unity, youth development, institutional growth and the preservation of history and cultural heritage.

He warned that a divided people cannot command influence, attract sustainable development or effectively defend their common interests.

The lecture series, themed “A People, Their Profession, and Their Politics,” brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, academics, youths and members of the Idoma diaspora to discuss the future of the Idoma Nation.

The Och’Idoma expressed optimism that with unity, strategic thinking and purposeful leadership, the Idoma people would reclaim their rightful place in the political and socio-economic landscape of Benue State and Nigeria.