Och’Idoma fires back at Adirahu Ny’Igede, disowns claims linking Tinubu, Akume to nullified titles

The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) in Benue State has clarified that President Bola Tinubu’s name was never included in any list of individuals presented for a traditional title by the Igede Traditional Council.

The clarification followed widespread rumours and media reports suggesting that President Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, were among those affected by the nullification of chieftaincy titles in the state.

In a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Och’Idoma, Adegbe Uloko, dismissed the reports as misleading. He explained that the IATC had earlier placed a general suspension on all conferments of traditional titles within Idoma land to allow for proper vetting and approval.

According to Uloko, the first directive was issued on August 19, 2025, and later reinforced on September 2 through an official declaration signed on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Agaba Idu, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, CON, Och’Idoma V and Chairman of the IATC.

The suspension, he said, applied across all intermediate councils—including Apa/Agatu, Otukpo/Ohimini, Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, and Oju/Obi—and was not targeted at any individual.

Uloko stressed that at no time did the list submitted by the paramount ruler of Igede, HRH CP (Rtd.) Oga Ero, Adirahu Ny’Igede, contain the name of the President or the SGF.

The statement partly read:

“At no time did the list submitted to the Idoma Area Traditional Council contain the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or that of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

He explained that HRH Oga Ero had earlier informed the council of his intention to confer titles during the Igede Agba festival. However, the Och’Idoma specifically directed him to drop that plan until the council could deliberate and give approval. Despite this directive, the Adirahu went ahead with the conferment on September 6, prompting the IATC to declare the exercise null and void.

The Council maintained that its decision was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the dignity of traditional institutions in Idoma land, preserve cultural sanctity, and ensure that titles are not politicised or abused.

It further noted that traditional honours carry deep cultural weight and must be bestowed with due process to prevent confusion and maintain respect for the throne.