Tinubu: Idoma Council Clarifies Chieftaincy Title Revocation

The Idoma Area Traditional Council in Benue State has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu was affected by the recent suspension of chieftaincy titles in Idoma land.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Adegbe Uloko, Secretary to the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu (Dr) Elaigwu Odogbo John, said neither President Tinubu nor the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was ever listed for any title by the Igede Traditional Council.

The clarification followed reports suggesting that the president’s name was included among those whose titles had been revoked. The IATC explained that its August 19 directive, later reinforced on September 2, was a general order halting all conferment of chieftaincy titles by intermediate councils until they were properly vetted and approved by the apex Idoma Traditional Council.

Uloko stressed that the list submitted by the paramount ruler of Igede, HRH Ero Oga, contained no mention of Tinubu or the SGF. “At no time did the list submitted to the Idoma Area Traditional Council contain the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or that of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” he said.

He added that the decision to suspend titles was not targeted at any individual but was necessary to preserve the integrity of Idoma customs and prevent the politicisation of traditional honours.

The council maintained that it would continue to uphold the dignity of the throne, safeguard cultural values, and contribute to peace and development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.