Unrest in Benue Community Over Traditional Ruler Appointment Dispute
There is a palpable tension in Ingle Edumoga Community within Ingle/Opkale ward of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State, concerning the appointment of the next District Head of Edumoga.
Key stakeholders, including elders and youths, are asserting their rights to the traditional stool, claiming it is their turn in accordance with longstanding rotational principles of the Edumoga Chiefdom.
In a formal petition addressed to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and circulated to traditional and political leaders, community representatives accused His Royal Highness Chief James Okefe, Chairman of the Okpokwu Council of Chiefs, of orchestrating a plan to bypass established customary procedures for appointing the district head.
Signed by Chairman Gabriel Ugboyi Ogwuchea, along with National Matron Elizabeth Ochada and Youth Leader Joseph Otobo, the three-page document described this alleged manipulation as a grave injustice, a violation of tradition, and an attempt to undermine rotational fairness.
The petitioners emphasized that their community has historically observed a rotation system, ensuring equitable distribution of leadership roles among wards. They warned that disregarding this system would threaten peace and stability, calling for urgent intervention.
The community recounted a consensus reached during a recent meeting at the palace of Chief Ojo Emmanuel Ochechema, where ward heads affirmed that Ingle Edumoga is due to produce the next District Head. They further accused Chief Okefe of influenced decisions driven by financial inducements and compromised traditional integrity.
While reaffirming their peaceful disposition and respect for customary institutions, the petitioners condemned actions they perceive as provocative and disrespectful, urging the governor to prevent any appointment outside Ingle Edumoga for the District Head position and to investigate the matter thoroughly to uphold fairness.
