(Culture Stories 15/05/2018 by Terver Adom)
Yesterday, at the IBB Square, Makurdi, ten first class chiefs covering Tiv, Idoma and Igede area traditional councils were coronated and presented with staff of office by the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom. This ceremony was enabled by the instruments of “A law to make provisions for the establishment of Benue Council of chiefs and traditional councils in the State and for purposes connected therewith, 2016”.
Those that were coronated were:
HRH David Afatyo Ajoko, Tor Jemgbagh
HRH Ambrose Pine Iyortyer, Tor Kwande
HRH Clement Kparevfa Uganden, Tor Jerchira
HRH Moses Mfave Anagende, Tor Lobi
HRH Abu King Shuluwa, Tor Sankera
HRH Julius Aondoana Adaga, Tor Gwer
HRH Emmanuel Okochi, Ochi’ Otukpo/Ohimini
HRH Francis Obande Obeya, Ochi’ Enone
HRH Baba Odangla, Ochi’ Apa/Agatu
HRH CP Oga Ero (Rtd.), Adirahu Ny’ Igede.
However, the law creating these chiefdoms first came into effect in 2015 and appointments were made and gazetted May 7, 2015 but was revoked in same year by Governor Samuel Ortom in what was tagged “First Class Chiefs Appointment (Revocation) Order”. Incidentally, of the six first class chiefs in the Tiv Area Traditional Council, only two were not reappointed. They are Chief Terkura Suswam and Chief Goddy Ikerave who were hitherto appointed Tor Sankera and Tor Gwer respectively.
Their coronation yesterday shows how political leaders have almost taken all that belongs to the society including money. Political leaders influence appointments of chiefs, coronates them, take them to their houses and celebrates them, pay their salaries and ask them for “help” in times of need (election). If it were possible, political leaders would have been ordaining even priest. O yes!
The speaker of a House inaugurates his colleagues why not Tor Tiv and Ochi’ Idoma allowed to inaugurate all kings below them? Following what happened yesterday- The Tor Tiv and the Ochi’ Idoma who are the Paramount rulers of their kingdoms namely Tiv and Idoma respectively were mere spectators at the ceremony. The Ochi’ Idoma did not utter a word throughout the occasion with the Tor Tiv only giving the votes of thanks. It may not be possible for traditional rulers to exclusively handle traditional affairs since they draw their salaries from political institutions but it is possible for political leaders to have minimal participation. The speaker of a House inaugurates his colleagues why not Tor Tiv and Ochi’ Idoma allowed to inaugurate all kings below them?
All the same, congratulations to all the newly coronated first class chiefs but they should be mindful that he who pays the piper dictates the tune and therefore, should procure long spoons to dine with those in the political hierarchies especially as we approach the next general elections in 2019.
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