Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Benue State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, was Saturday conferred with the chieftaincy title of ‘Ebeneigbogwu K’Idoma’ meaning the Pathfinder for Idoma nation, by the Idoma Area Traditional Council.
Receiving the honorific title along with other recipients at the Och’Idoma’s palace in Otukpo on Saturday, June 29, 2024, the Deputy Governor thanked the Och’Idoma as well as the entire Idoma Area Traditional Council for finding him worthy of such an honor and pledged to use it to the glory of God and for the good of humanity.
Barr. Sam Ode commended the Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John for how well he has managed his kingdom by ensuring that peace reigned among his subjects.
“Your reign as Och’Idoma the fifth will last for a very long time … .Because you have brought peace to this land, anyone who is waging war against you will be defeated”, Dr. Ode said.
He further advised all those who have dissenting views about the emergence of the paramount ruler of Idoma nation to sheathe their swords, drop all litigations and work with the king to move the kingdom forward.
Earlier, while performing the ceremony at his palace in Otukpo, the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation, HRM, Agabaidu Elaigwu John said the conferrement of chieftaincy titles on deserving sons and daughtes of Idoma kingdom such as the Deputy Governor of Benue State as well as friends of the kingdom was part of activities to mark the second year anniversary of his coronation.
The Och’Idoma maintained that since ascending the throne, he has strived to foster unity amongst his subjects, noting, “we have transcended differences and embraced diversity as our strength by promoting understanding and cooperation, we have made a significant progress by promoting harmony, solidarity throughout our reign. Peace and security remain paramount in our scope of priorities”.
He thanked the Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his show of kindness to the people of Benue State, especially the Idoma nation, and referenced the recent commitment made by the governor to refix the dilapidated Otukpo township roads so as to ease movement of people and goods.
In a goodwill message, the Tor Tiv and Chairman, Benue State Council of Chiefs, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse expressed gratitude to God for giving the Idoma Kingdom a godly king and prayed for the progress and prosperity of the land.
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation also implored all sons and daughters of Idoma to continually cooperate, support and pray for their king, and commended the unity that exist between the Tiv and Idoma and promised to continue to foster peace in the land.
Prof James Ayatse applauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for the support given to traditional institution in the state and vowed to ensure continued harmony between the state government and traditional council while calling on the recipients of the chieftaincy titles to see themselves as ambassadors of the Idoma kingdom and at all times endeavour to support the throne and traditional institution.
Responding on behalf of the recipients, Aba Adaudu, a philanthropist and managing director/ chief executive officer of Abba Adaudu & Co., expressed appreciation to the Och’Idoma and the entire Idoma Area Traditional Council for finding them worthy of the honorific chieftaincy awards, and pledged their total loyalty to the kingdom and continued commitment to the service of the people.