The paramount ruler of Idoma land, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo, has urged those who undermine the traditional institution to desist, describing recent attacks on monarchs in Idomaland as alarming and in urgent need of remedy.
Speaking at a Royal Banquet in Abuja on Friday, the monarch warned that efforts to denigrate chiefs and elders do not advance anyone’s standing. “Some people think that by pulling others down, they can rise. But it has never worked that way. Pulling someone down may in fact become a hindrance to your own progress,” he said, stressing the need to respect elders and institutions whether individuals went through traditional rites or not.
HRM Odogbo noted that contests against traditional stools are not new in Idoma history. He recalled that the first Och’Idoma was taken to court for 15 years and that the second also faced resistance, arguing these disputes show the real issue is a mindset problem rather than ritual legitimacy. “Now, with the new Och’Idoma, we must learn from the past. The real problem is not the rituals, it is our mindset,” he said.
The monarch called for unity, respect and a change of attitude as essential to the progress of Idomaland, urging community members to work together to preserve the dignity and stability of traditional leadership.
