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The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) in Benue State has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s name was never included in any list of individuals recommended for a traditional title by the Igede Traditional Council. The clarification follows speculations and media reports suggesting that the President’s name was among those affected in the nullification of traditional titles in Idoma land.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Secretary to the paramount ruler of the Idoma Traditional Council, Mr. Adegbe Uloko, stressed that neither President Tinubu nor the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) appeared on any of the lists submitted for consideration.
The controversy began after the Idoma Area Traditional Council suspended the conferment of chieftaincy titles within Idoma land. The directive, which was first issued on August 19, 2025, and reinforced by an official declaration on September 2, halted all conferments by intermediate area councils until they were properly vetted and approved by the apex Idoma council.
Mr. Uloko explained that the first-class chief of Igede, His Royal Highness Ero Oga, was formally directed to suspend conferments on August 19. The September 2 declaration only reinforced this earlier directive, making it clear that no conferments should take place until reviewed by the higher council.
The statement, titled “No chieftaincy title of the President or SGF was nullified by IATC”, made it clear that the name of President Tinubu never appeared on the list submitted by HRH Ero Oga or any other traditional authority under Idoma land. “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,” Uloko stated.
The council stressed that its decision to suspend conferments was not targeted at any individual but was a general measure to safeguard the integrity of the institution. It said the move was necessary to prevent unapproved titles from creating confusion or diminishing the dignity of the traditional stool.
The Idoma Area Traditional Council is the apex traditional institution of the Idoma people in Benue State and plays a central role in protecting the customs, heritage, and cultural dignity of the community. By suspending conferments, the council said it was ensuring that titles are not politicised or abused.
The body also pledged to continue upholding the sanctity of Idoma customs while promoting peace and development across Benue State and Nigeria at large. “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 statement further read.
This clarification comes at a sensitive time when the conferment of chieftaincy titles on political leaders has become a controversial subject across Nigeria. Critics often accuse traditional councils of politicising titles or using them as instruments to curry favour with politicians. In many cases, the conferment of traditional honours has sparked debates about whether such recognitions weaken or strengthen the role of traditional institutions in modern governance.
By distancing President Tinubu and the SGF from the nullified titles, the Idoma Traditional Council is hoping to put the matter to rest and protect the image of the presidency. It also aims to reaffirm its authority over cultural matters in Idoma land while sending a strong message that traditional honours must follow due process.
The council added that it remains committed to ensuring that the throne retains its dignity and continues to serve as a symbol of unity, peace, and cultural preservation for the Idoma people.
Observers note that this move may also help reduce political tension, as the conferment of traditional titles on national leaders often fuels public debates about political patronage, ethnic loyalty, and the independence of traditional rulers.
For now, the suspension of all chieftaincy conferments in Idoma land remains in place, with the council maintaining that only those thoroughly vetted and approved will be allowed to stand.
