Tov Tiv to confer historic chieftaincy title on Ochetoha K’Idoma Secretary General, Paul Edeh, wife

The Tiv Traditional Council has nominated the Secretary General of Ochetoha K’Idoma Worldwide, Chief Dr. Paul Edeh, for the conferment of a historic Tiv honorific chieftaincy title, marking the first time in history that an Idoma son will receive such recognition from the Tiv nation.

In an official notification signed by the President General of Ochetoha K’Idoma, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, the organization announced that Dr. Edeh has been selected by His Royal Majesty, Orcivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, for the title of Wandoo U Dedoo U Tiv, meaning “Good Neighbour of the Tiv Nation.”

His wife was also nominated for a complementary honorific title, Ashegbenda U Wandoo U Tiv, meaning “Expectant of the Good Neighbour of the Tiv Nation.”

The conferment ceremony is scheduled for December 13, 2025, at the Tor Tiv’s Palace in Gboko.

According to Ochetoha K’Idoma, the honour is unprecedented and represents a significant milestone in Tiv–Idoma relations. The group described the gesture as a symbol of respect, fraternity, and the enduring bond between the two major ethnic nationalities of Benue State.

“For decades, our organization has worked to strengthen a harmonious working relationship with the Tiv nation, and this recognition stands as a clear affirmation of that mutual goodwill,” the statement said.

The President General urged all EXCO members, branch chairmen, and Idoma sons and daughters worldwide to attend the ceremony in full Idoma traditional attire as a mark of solidarity with the Secretary General.

The organization extended gratitude to the Tor Tiv and the Tiv nation for what it described as a “noble and unifying gesture.”

“On behalf of the National Executive Council, I congratulate our Secretary General and extend our deep appreciation for this honour. May this milestone reinforce unity and advance the shared aspirations of the Idoma and Tiv people,” the President General stated.