Idoma Traditional Council Revokes Chieftaincy Title from Tinubu and Four Others

The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has officially nullified the chieftaincy title recently awarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and four others during the Igede Agba yam festival in Oju Local Government Area, Benue State.

The title, which was accepted on behalf of President Tinubu by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, was conferred by the Adirahu of Igede, His Royal Highness CP (Rtd.) Oga Ero, at the festival held last Saturday.

Several other individuals also received similar titles during the event. However, in a statement released on Monday, the IATC, led by its President and Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, condemned the conferment as a violation of a standing directive suspending all chieftaincy title awards within Idoma land.

The statement, issued by IATC Secretary Mr. Adegbe Uloko and titled “Nullification of Purported Chieftaincy Titles Conferred by the Igede Traditional Council,” stressed that the action contravened the council’s September 2, 2025 declaration.

“The conferment of chieftaincy titles by the Igede Traditional Council on September 6, 2025, directly violates the Idoma Area Traditional Council’s declaration. Such titles are null, void, and have no legal, customary, or traditional validity,” the council said.

Reaffirming its authority as the only recognized traditional body by the government within the Idoma nation, the IATC warned that disregarding its directives would amount to a breach of the law.

The council urged the public, traditional institutions, and state agencies to disregard the titles purportedly given to President Tinubu and the others.

“This announcement is intended to protect the integrity of traditional institutions in Benue State, ensure due process is followed, and maintain peace and unity within the Idoma Area Traditional Council,” the statement added.

Last week, the IATC had announced a suspension on all chieftaincy title conferments across its jurisdiction to allow for reorganization and better regulation of the practice.