The decision, announced under the leadership of Och’Idoma V, His Royal Majesty Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, reaffirms the council’s exclusive authority as the government-recognized custodian of Idoma tradition. According to the IATC, the suspension is part of ongoing efforts to sanitize and regulate the chieftaincy system, ensuring all titles conform to both legal and customary standards. Any titles bestowed outside this framework, the council stressed, are invalid.
This move underscores a broader effort to safeguard traditional governance in the face of modern political pressures. The nullification also calls on stakeholders to disregard the revoked titles in order to preserve peace and unity within the Idoma nation.
Although the affected individuals have not yet responded, the decision reflects the delicate balance between local traditions and national political figures. It may also shape future interactions between traditional councils and political leaders, reinforcing the importance of due process in the conferral of cultural honors.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its multi-ethnic realities, actions such as these serve as reminders that respecting established protocols is essential to sustaining harmony and institutional integrity.
