The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has debunked reports claiming it nullified the chieftaincy titles recently conferred on President Bola Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, by the Adiharu of Igede, HRH Oga Ero, during the Igede Agba festival in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Secretary, Adegbe Uloko, the council described the claims as mischievous and misleading.
The controversy followed the IATC’s earlier embargo on all conferment of chieftaincy titles in its intermediate areas. Despite the order, HRH Oga Ero conferred titles on select personalities during last Saturday’s festivities, sparking disagreements among Idoma and Igede stakeholders.
Clarifying its position, the IATC maintained that Tinubu and Akume’s names were never included in the proposed list of honourees for the event.
The statement noted, “At no time did the list of honourees contain the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or that of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
The council explained that HRH Oga Ero had been officially directed on August 19, 2025, to step down the conferment, a directive later reinforced by an official declaration on September 2, 2025.
The IATC stressed that its directive was a general suspension covering all Intermediate Area Traditional Councils across Idomaland, not just the Igede council.
“It is false, baseless, and malicious to suggest that the Council nullified titles never presented before it. This matter is being handled internally in line with the extant laws of Benue State and the revered traditions of the Idoma Nation,” the statement added.
The council accused unnamed sponsors of fueling misinformation to create an unnecessary crisis, warning that such actions amount to criminal mischief.
It also cautioned the press to avoid being used to undermine the integrity of the traditional institution.
Reiterating its commitment, the IATC said it would continue to uphold the dignity of the throne, preserve Idoma customs, and support peace and development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
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