… Ortom, Wife, Wike, others gets Idoma chieftaincy titles
From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Eminent personalities, including traditional rulers, on Thursday, converged in Otukpo, the headquarters of Idoma land, in the South of Benue state, to grace the commissioning of the magnificent Och’Idoma’s palace in Otukpo built by Governor Samuel Ortom-led administration.
Amidst pomp and style, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and his wife, Mrs. Eunice Ortom, Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike were conferred with honorary chieftaincy titles by the Idoma Area Traditional Council.
The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, John Elaigwu Odogbo, who performed the ceremony also honoured retired Maj-Gen. Lawrence Onoja with a chieftaincy title.
Each and everyone of the title holders, he dressed in royal splendour, adorning them in clothes bearing the Idoma red and black colours and the Igede blue and white, with a long spear-like walking stick and a hand fan depicting royalty to go with.
While Governor Ortom was conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Ochikpali L’Ogwabo K’Idoma” meaning, “Defender of the Defenceless” and his wife, Dr. Eunice Ortom, “Ogbonene 1 K’Idoma,” meaning “Kindness of Idomaland,” the Idoma Traditional Council named Governor Nyesom Wike the ‘Okokonjo K’Idoma’ meaning the “Unbreakable.”
Speaking during the event, Governor Ortom acknowledged that the traditional institution was a key component for the success of governance, saying it was the reason his administration accord priority to the welfare of traditional rulers.
He pointed out that, as part of deliberate policy to ensure the traditional rulers performed optimally, prompt payment of their salaries as well as provision of vehicles was made topmost priority.
He appreciated the guidance his administration has received from traditional rulers, stressing that their untiring support enabled him to be firm to tackle complex challenges that confronted the state.
The Governor disclosed that apart from the befitting palaces for the two paramount rulers in the state, he has directed the upgrading and rehabilitation of all government lodges in local government headquarters as palaces for the first class chiefs in the state to also provide more befitting accommodations for them in their domains.
He extolled his Rivers State counterpart, Governor Nyesom Wike for demonstrating that he was a true friend of the state by his continued support to IDPs, noting that Wike has been speaking out against injustice and oppression of Benue people.
Also speaking, Governor Wike expressed appreciation to the Och’Idoma for finding him worthy to be honoured with a chieftaincy title in Idomaland.
He recalled how he shares common ties with the people of the state as a chieftaincy title holder in Tivland and now Idoma land.
He was full praise for Governor Ortom for passionately identifying with the traditional institution and prioritizing the welfare of traditional rulers by building state-of-the-art palaces for them and prayed God to grant the Governor success as he rounds-off his eventful tenure.
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, who commissioned the palace, applauded Governor Ortom for building a modern palace for the Och’Idoma and giving dignity to the traditional institution.
Senator Mark stated that Governor Ortom has made the Idoma nation proud by the construction of an ultra modern palace for the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation, adding that Idoma sons and daughters will now have a sense of pride inviting their friends to visit the kingdom.
The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Odogbo, stated that history shall be fair to Governor Ortom for building a befitting palace for the Idoma nation.
The Och’Idoma went spiritual when he declared that God will prevail over Idoma kingdom and stressed the need for unity amongst his subjects for development in his domain.
The paramount ruler also declared peace and prosperity on his domain, emphasising that despite the challenge of insecurity by external aggressors on his domain, he was optimistic that the powers of darkness shall be frustrated, adding that the authority of God will continue to prevail over his domain.
With a distinguished palace, Odogbo promised he would rule with a fair heart and justice. He thanked the Contractor, Engr Agaba Ikwue, for constructing the edifice according to specification and on time too saying he has turned it to a tourists site.
He further explained that Mrs Ortom has supported the husband so well and no wonder he has achieved so much adding that she is also been given the title in admiration and recognition of her humane nature and the kindness she has shown to the vulnerable and less privileged in the state especially the massive empowerment of Benue women through her foundation, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, (ESLF). He urged her to keep doing the work even after office saying she and her husband has written their names in gold.
Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse in his goodwill message congratulated the Och’Idoma for moving into an ultra modern palace and commended Governor Ortom for “leaving legacies that generations will remember” stressing that “You have lifted the traditional institution and we your royal fathers are pleased with you for doing so well.”
Tor Tiv, who appreciated the Governor for his wonderful performance in office said “Ortom began small but ended up magnificently. He constructed my palace and that of the Ochi’Idoma. Ortom would be leaving a legacy that generations yet unborn would remember him. He had done well.”
In separate goodwill messages at the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal, AVM Monday Morgan (rtd), Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Prof. Innocent Ujah and the Head of Civil Service in the state, Mrs. Veronica Onyeke all described the event as historic and hailed the foresight of Governor Ortom in erecting the magnificent edifice.
Earlier, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development who is also the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Ekpe Ogbu stated that the palace had residential complex, administrative block, service quarters, chapel, guest house, public square and pavilions, conference halls amongst other facilities, noting that the commissioning of the palace was “a monumental stage in the annals of Idoma history which has given pride to the people.”
AVM Monday Morgan, tasked Benue people on unity. Tiv and Idoma nations came from different places but lived together peacefully for time immemorial. Replicate it in the political agenda of the state. He said it is the wish of the Idoma to produce a governor soon.
Others who were honoured with chieftaincy titles included: Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd) as ‘Okekela K’Idoma’ (the Voice of Idoma kingdom), Ode Ede as ‘Ojalohoi K’Idoma’ meaning, ‘he is enough for us.’
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Major Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd) appreciated the Och’Idoma for the honour saying with him on the throne all the evil in Idoma land would be cleansed and the entire state to be united.
Our correspondent reports that the visitors were thrilled to the Idoma traditional dance steps while the honorees were also presented with certificates of their title.