BY JULIET EKWENUGO
London
The Och’Idoma and Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo John, on February 28, 2026, inaugurated the Executive Council of the Idoma Community United Kingdom, in a move aimed at strengthening unity and coordination among Idoma people in the diaspora.
The event, which drew Idoma sons and daughters from across the United Kingdom, saw the emergence of Chief Dr Williams Obande Obeya as President of the community.
Other members of the executive include Mrs Catherine Otene as Vice President, Godwin Ejeh as General Secretary, Chris Diga as Financial Secretary, Francis Akor as Project Officer, Helen Joseph as Welfare Secretary, Matthew Onuh as Treasurer, Felicia Bathelomew Igomu as Women Leader, Jackie Monerville as Social Media Handler, Oliver Igoche as Youth Leader, and Tony Mary as Event Officer.
The newly inaugurated executive is expected to serve a one-year term.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Och’Idoma said the visit underscored the importance of unity among Idoma people regardless of their location, stressing that diaspora communities remain critical to the growth and development of the Idoma nation.
He described the inauguration as a significant step towards rebuilding cohesion and fostering a coordinated Idoma presence in the United Kingdom.
The royal father urged members of the community to align with Ochetoha K’Idoma, the apex socio-cultural body of the Idoma people, noting that a unified voice would enhance global recognition and influence.
“When Idomas speak anywhere in the world, the world must hear one voice and recognise one people bound by shared identity and destiny,” he said.
The monarch also emphasised the need to preserve Idoma language, culture and values among younger generations in the diaspora, while encouraging economic cooperation and support for Idoma-owned businesses.
In his acceptance speech, the President, Chief Dr Obeya, expressed gratitude to the monarch and members of the community for the confidence reposed in him and his team.
He pledged that the new executive would prioritise unity, transparency and inclusiveness, while strengthening ties with the homeland.
“We accept this responsibility with humility and deep commitment. We shall remain worthy ambassadors of the Idoma Kingdom wherever we reside,” he said.
Obeya also announced that the next Idoma Day celebration in the United Kingdom would hold on August 8, 2026, calling on Idoma people across Europe to participate.
The inauguration, according to stakeholders, also aligns with preparations for the Idoma Centenary Plus celebrations slated for December 23, 2026, in Otukpo.
The Och’Idoma, while offering final counsel to the new leadership, urged them to embrace discipline, reconciliation and service, noting that effective leadership requires maturity and a strong sense of responsibility.
The ceremony ended with royal blessings for Idoma families in the United Kingdom and across the global diaspora, as participants expressed optimism about a more united and progressive Idoma community abroad.
