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The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has risen in strong terms to dismiss reports in sections of the media suggesting that it nullified chieftaincy titles purportedly conferred on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The reports, carried by some online platforms, had claimed that the Council voided titles bestowed at the Igede Agba New Yam Festival in Oju Local Government Area.
In a press statement signed by its Secretary, Mr. Adegbe Uloko, on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, Och’Idoma V, Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Nation, the IATC described the publications as “false, baseless and malicious,” stressing that they were clearly the handiwork of mischief makers intent on ridiculing the revered traditional institution.
The Council clarified that the official list submitted by the Igede Intermediate Area Traditional Council ahead of the Igede Agba Festival on 5–6 September 2025 contained only ten names. Among them were H. E. Chief Barr. Dr. Sam Ode; H. E. Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson; and Chief Patrick Ojechema Idoko, all of whom are already title holders under the IATC, as well as Rt. Hon. David Ogewu, Hon. Nelson Alapa, Hon. Francis Agbo Ottah, Bishop Pinot Ogbaji, Dr. David Amara, Dr. Moses Agbogbo Ode, and Mrs. Alice Ojugbo Ojowu. At no time, the Council stressed, did this list contain the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or that of the SGF.
The IATC further recalled that on August 19, w025, First Class Chief, His Royal Highness Ero Oga, was formally directed to suspend conferments, and that this was reinforced by a general declaration of the Council on 2 September 2025. That declaration, it emphasised, was a blanket suspension applying to all Intermediate Area Traditional Councils within Idoma Area Traditional Council until such a time as matters of conferment are duly considered and approved by the IATC.
Against this background, the Council said it was therefore mischievous and criminal for any person or group to peddle stories that it nullified titles that were never presented before it. “Those sponsoring such misinformation should note that their actions amount to criminal mischief and must desist forthwith,” the statement warned, adding that the press as the fourth estate of the realm must not allow itself to be misled or used to undermine the authority of the traditional institution.
Reassuring the Idoma people and Nigerians at large, the IATC declared that it remains resolute in upholding the dignity of the throne, preserving the sanctity of Idoma customs, and supporting the peace and development of Benue State and Nigeria.
The statement was signed by the Council’s Secretary, Mr. Adegbe Uloko, for and on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, Och’Idoma V, Chairman of the Idoma Area Traditional Council and Vice Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.