The President of Idoma Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu (Dr) Elaigwu Odogbo John, has suspended any form of conferment of chieftaincy titles in Idoma land.

Henceforth, any Chieftaincy title conferred in contravention of the declaration will be deemed null, void, and of no effect.

In a statement issued by the Secretary of Idoma Area Traditional Council, Adegbe Uloko, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday, the paramount ruler said that the decision for the suspension was to regulate and safeguard the conferment of titles in the land.

It added that the suspension was also to prevent indiscriminate proliferation and preserve the sanctity of the traditional institution.

According to the statement, “With immediate effect, no Intermediate Area Council or community is permitted to confer, approve, or announce any Chieftaincy title of any category until further directive is issued by the Paramount Ruler and the Idoma Area Traditional Council.

”This suspension is binding on all persons, groups, and institutions within Idoma land.

The statement further read, “Such unauthorized conferments shall not receive recognition from the Paramount Ruler, the Idoma Area Traditional Council, or the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.

“Defaulters may be subjected to further traditional and legal sanctions as deemed appropriate by the competent authorities,” the statement added.

The Ochidoma, who is also the vice chairman of Benue State Area Traditional Council, reaffirmed the Idoma Traditional Council’s commitment to protecting the integrity and heritage of Chieftaincy titles in Idoma land.

The royal father stressed that conferment of titles shall continue to reflect honour, service, and cultural value, and would be carried out under lawful authority and due process. (Nigerian Tribune)