Stop washing your dirty linen in public — Justice Ejembi Eko tells Och’Idoma, Adirahu Ny’Igede

A retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ejembi Eko, has cautioned the Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo, and the Adirahu Ny’Igede, HRM Oga Ero, against engaging in public disputes that could undermine the unity and dignity of the Idoma Kingdom.

He made the remarks during the Idoma Royal Banquet, where he addressed the growing tension between traditional institutions in the area.

“Agaba-Idu, this rare opportunity gives me the audacity to counsel your office and the subordinate chiefs: under no circumstance should either of you wash dirty linen in public,” Justice Eko said.

He expressed disappointment over recent incidents at the Igede Agba Festival, describing them as embarrassing and damaging to the image of the Idoma nation.

“The skirmishes from the recent Igede Agba Festival did no Idoma proud,” he said. “As the saying goes, ‘the fish spoils from the head.’ When senior chiefs quarrel openly, the dispute takes a spiral effect and leaves a toll on their subjects. We have never had it this bad.”

The retired jurist lamented that internal conflicts among traditional leaders were compounding the region’s challenges, noting that the kingdom was already facing severe threats from insecurity and economic hardship.

“The kingdom is being buffeted from all directions. Bandits and herdsmen are destroying the rural economy, yet the authorities appear nonchalant and unconcerned,” he warned.

Justice Eko urged traditional rulers to close ranks, foster peace, and restore dignity to the Idoma traditional institution.