The Idoma Area Traditional Council has nullified chieftaincy titles reportedly conferred by the Ward Head of Akpoge/Ogbilolo in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State. The decision comes days after the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Mrs Lami Danladi Ogenyi, was given the title of “Ene Ebo Y’Agila,” also known as “Onkpo Etsi’Egontu,” by the Agila Akpoge-Ogbilolo Ward Traditional Council.
In an official release dated 1 September 2026, the Council stated that the conferment of the titles by the Ward Head on 29 August 2026 violated an earlier declaration it issued on 2 September 2025. It described the action as contrary to the authority vested in the Och’Idoma under the Benue State Chieftaincy Law of 2016, as amended, and consequently declared all the affected titles “annulled, void, and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect.”
The Council further announced the withdrawal of titles previously issued by the IATC to any of its title holders who participated in what it called the “pseudo conferment” at Agila and elsewhere on 29 August. It directed members of the public, government institutions and traditional stakeholders to disregard the affected titles and accord them no recognition.
Maintaining that it remains the legally constituted and government-recognised traditional authority within the Idoma nation, the Council warned that acts contrary to its directives constitute a breach of extant law. According to the statement, the decision was taken to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions, uphold due process and maintain peace, unity and order within the Idoma Area Traditional Council.
The statement was issued by the Secretary of the IATC, Mr Adegbe Uloko, on behalf of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo John, CON, President of the Idoma Area Traditional Council and Vice Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.
