BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Benue
The Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Agaba’idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John has renewed the call for unity, reconciliation and collective action among his people, saying the time has come for the Idoma Nation to rise above division and reclaim its heritage of peace and progress.
The royal father made the call during a grand Royal Banquet held in Abuja, themed “Shaping the Future of the Idoma Nation: One Kingdom, One Destiny.”
The event, which drew dignitaries from across the country, including traditional rulers, political leaders, scholars and business figures, was described as a symbolic moment of rebirth for the Idoma people.
In his royal address, the Och’Idoma commended the spirit of togetherness demonstrated during the Idoma National Unity and Peace Symposium held in April 2025, noting that it rekindled the bond of brotherhood among the Idoma people.
“That spirit must never fade,” he said. “It must guide our actions because unity is the key that will open every closed door before us.”
The monarch lamented that the true story of the Idoma Nation has often been misrepresented, stressing that it was time for the people to reclaim their narrative and celebrate their strength.
> “They speak of our challenges but forget our contributions. They remember our pains but overlook our power — the power of knowledge, unity and wisdom that resides in each of us. The story of Idoma is not one of defeat, but of rising courage,” he said.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, the Paramount Ruler expressed deep sympathy for victims of herdsmen attacks across Idoma land, saying their sacrifices must not be forgotten.
“Their blood cries for justice, and their memory must strengthen our resolve to defend our heritage within the bounds of the law,” he added.
He urged his subjects to draw strength from their forefathers and resist all forms of division, emphasizing that “the spirit of our ancestors has not departed from us.”
“We are strong enough to defend our land, our culture, and our dignity — not through violence, but through lawful courage, wisdom, and unity. I am deeply hopeful that we shall prevail over every enemy,” the monarch affirmed.
The Och’Idoma also called for forgiveness, reconciliation and open dialogue, warning that social media outbursts and internal rivalries weaken the kingdom.
“The palace is open to all. Come, let us reason together. Passion on social media will not strengthen our kingdom — but engagement will. The throne is a symbol of unity, not a tool for division,” he said.
He also appealed to political leaders to put aside partisan differences and align their personal ambitions with the collective vision of the kingdom.
“You can never be greater than the kingdom you belong to,” he noted. “Let us unite to protect our villages, farmlands, families and dignity. The soul of the Idoma Kingdom is built on integrity.”
On the economy, His Majesty called for the creation of business hubs and youth enterprises to reduce unemployment and social vices. He also advocated the empowerment of women and protection of vulnerable groups, saying that “when women and the vulnerable are secure and empowered, the entire community prospers.”
Turning to culture, he described Idoma traditions as “the soul of our identity,” and announced that the Annual Idoma Cultural Festival would henceforth become a national celebration to preserve the people’s heritage and strengthen unity.
“To our young men and women scattered across the cities and nations of the world, remember your ancestral homeland. Bring your skills home, bring your energy home, bring your talents home. Idoma will never truly rise until her children return to lift her high.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief (Dr) Paul Edeh, described the banquet as a “convergence of purpose,” commending the monarch for inspiring renewed unity in the land.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice Ejembi Eko (rtd) reminded the people that mutual dependence remains the foundation of collective progress.
“Oche needs Opu, and Opu needs Oche. Unless we unite now, our future is in jeopardy. We have the brains and resources; it is time to turn them into results,” he said.
Also speaking, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma, described the banquet as “a rebirth of identity,” urging that the resolutions from the gathering be translated into tangible outcomes.
Dr Kelvin Odatse Peters proposed the establishment of a Consolidated Idoma Nation Socio-Economic Endowment Fund to support education, health, security and culture — an idea that received immediate applause and endorsement from Chief Mike Oglegba and Consul Emmanuel Akpakwu.
The proposal was later adopted as one of the major resolutions of the night, with participants pledging contributions through an integrated digital platform to be officially launched at the Och’Idoma Palace, Otukpo.
Among dignitaries at the event were Senator Abba Patrick Moro, Major General Chris Abutu Ejiga (rtd), Professor Ode Ojowu, Chief Steven Lawani, Major General E.J. Enenche (rtd), Major General E.G. Ode (rtd), AIG Wilson Inalegwu (rtd), Chief Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, and Comrade Dan Onjeh.
