The Idoma Area Traditional Council in Benue State has dismissed reports linking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the suspension of traditional titles in Idoma land.
The council said the President’s name was never on the list of honourees submitted for recognition and therefore was not affected by the suspension order.
In a statement signed by Adegbe Uloko, Secretary to the paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Dr Elaigwu Odogbo John, the council explained that “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.”
The council added that the directive issued on 19 August and reinforced on 2 September was a blanket suspension of all conferments of chieftaincy titles across Idoma land until due vetting and approval had been completed.
It said the order also directed the paramount ruler of Igede, His Royal Highness Ero Oga, to step down all pending ceremonies.
According to the statement, “the declaration was a general directive suspending all conferment of chieftaincy titles by all intermediate area traditional councils within Idoma land until duly considered and approved by the Idoma Area Traditional Council.”
The IATC maintained that the move was not targeted at any individual but was necessary to protect the sanctity of the throne, preserve cultural values, and prevent political interference in traditional institutions.
It emphasised that President Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation were never part of the controversy and that the clarification was needed to put speculations to rest.
The Idoma Area Traditional Council said it was acting to maintain cultural dignity and avoid political interpretations.
It pledged its commitment to peace, unity, and development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
