Idoma Council Nullifies Chieftaincy Titles in Benue

On September 1, 2026, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) officially nullified the conferment of chieftaincy titles on certain community members by the ward head of Akpoge/Ogbilolo in Ado local government area, Benue State. The council's release, signed by secretary Mr Adegbe Uloko on behalf of the Och’Idoma V, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo John, vice chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, stated that the conferment on August 29 violated prior directives issued by the IATC on September 1, 2025, and established traditional procedures.

Citing the authority of the Och’Idoma under Part 1, Section 7(d) of the Benue State Chieftaincy Law 2016, as amended, the council declared all titles conferred on August 29 as annulled and void, lacking legal, customary, or traditional effect. Additionally, titles previously issued to individuals involved in the conferment were withdrawn, with a directive for public and government institutions to disregard them, warning that non-compliance would breach the law to maintain the integrity of traditional institutions and ensure peace in Idoma land.