Benue monarch faces suspension after conferring titles without Och’Idoma's permission

BENUE State is facing the prospect of a huge traditional rift as the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has threatened to suspend the paramount ruler of the Idege people Oga Ero Adirahu Ny’Igede for disrespecting the Och’Idoma.

Known as the bread basket of the nation, Benue State is made up mainly of three ethnic groups with the Tiv, who have the Tor Tiv as their paramount ruler, being the largest. Then, the Idoma are the second largest group in the state, with the Idege being their third largest and up until now, all of them have lived together harmoniously.

However, barring any last-minute resolution, the paramount ruler of the Igede people is now facing the risk of suspension as a dispute erupted after the Oga Ero bestowed chieftaincy titles during the recent Igede Agba cultural festival. According to the IATC, his action was taken without the consent of its chairman, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo John.

For starters, the IATC has nullified the titles, invoking the Benue State Chieftaincy Law of 2016, Part II, Section 7(d), which vests ultimate traditional authority in the IATC across Benue South. Despite being served with a formal query, Oga Ero is yet to issue a reply or render an apology to the Och’Idoma, palace insiders disclosed.

An IATC spokesman said: “Such conferment's are null, void and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect. The Idoma Area Traditional Council remains the only legally recognised traditional authority of the Idoma nation and any contrary action violates the law.”

One source further revealed that the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has been alerted, stressing that suspension remains likely if the monarch fails to give a convincing explanation. He added: “This hasn’t reached dethronement level. It’s a minor misunderstanding that could be settled but it’s being exaggerated.”