The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) has nullified chieftaincy titles reportedly conferred by the Ward Head of Akpoge/Ogbilolo in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
The development comes days after the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Mrs Lami Danladi Ogenyi, was conferred with 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 September 1, 2026, the IATC declared that the conferment of chieftaincy titles by the Ward Head on August 29, 2026, violated an earlier declaration by the Council dated September 2, 2025.
The Council said the action was contrary to the authority vested in the Och’Idoma under the Benue State Chieftaincy Law of 2016, as amended.
It consequently declared all the affected titles “annulled, void, and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect.”
The traditional council further announced the withdrawal of titles previously issued by the IATC to any of its title holders who participated in what it described as the “pseudo conferment” at Agila and elsewhere on August 29.
It also directed members of the public, government institutions and traditional stakeholders to disregard the affected titles and accord them no recognition.
The Council maintained that it remains the legally constituted and government-recognised traditional authority within the Idoma nation, warning 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, President of the IATC and Vice Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Och’Idoma nullifies titles conferred on Benue Deputy Speaker, others