Och’Idoma nullifies titles conferred on Benue Deputy Speaker, others
Idoma Area Traditional Council Nullifies Chieftaincy Titles
The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has invalidated a series of chieftaincy titles purportedly granted by the Ward Head of Akpoge/Ogbilolo in Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.
The action follows the recent conferment of the title “Ene Ebo Y’Agila,” also known as “Onkpo Etsi’Egontu,” on Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, by the Agila Akpoge-Ogbilolo Ward Traditional Council.
In an official statement released on September 1, 2026, the IATC asserted that the titles conferred on August 29, 2026, contravened a previous resolution issued by the Council on September 2, 2025. The IATC emphasized that the delegation of these titles exceeded the authority granted to the Och’Idoma under the amended Benue State Chieftaincy Law of 2016.
As a result, the Council officially declared all affected titles as “annulled, void, and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect.” Furthermore, the IATC rescinded any titles previously awarded to individuals who partook in what it termed a “pseudo conferment” on August 29.
Members of the public, governmental agencies, and traditional institutions are urged to disregard the affected titles and recognize the IATC as the lawful traditional authority within the Idoma community. The Council warned that any actions contrary to its directives would constitute a violation of existing laws.
The IATC’s statement indicated that the decision aims to protect the integrity of traditional institutions, ensure adherence to proper procedures, and maintain peace and unity within the Idoma Area Traditional Council.
The announcement was issued by IATC Secretary Mr. Adegbe Uloko on behalf of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agaba-Idu, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, who serves as President of the IATC and Vice Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.
