From Egbe Attah, Otukpo
The Avovo Intermediate Chiefdom in Ado Local Government of Benue State, has declared null and void, the recent chieftaincy titles conferred on some illustrious sons of Benue South by the Ezza-Ezekunna community, for alleged violation of due process.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefdom, on Sunday, at the thanksgiving reception of a university don, Dr Patrick Onumah, in Ijigban, the third-class chief of the area, Chief Ogenyi Ocheme, alleged that the conferrers did not consult the intermediate chiefdom, the Idoma Area Traditional Council or any other relevant authorities before embarking on such venture.
He, therefore, asked the recipients of such titles to stop using them forthwith, as their titles have no legal backing, stressing that, the Ado Zone B, Intermediate Chiefdom will not fold its hands and watch the culture of the land to be destroyed by individuals or groups, no matter how highly placed in the society.
Chief Ocheme, further asked members of his chiefdom, especially, the Ezza – Ezekunna, to stop giving chieftaincy titles without consulting the relevant authorities, whom he said have the mandate and know those who deserve such honours.
He advised that, the culture and tradition of the land be respected in all circumstances, maintaining that, the traditional council in the area will not tolerate those who go against the cherished culture of the land.
It would be recalled that Senator Abba Moro, House of Representatives member for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, Dr Francis Agbo, Chairman of Ado Local Government, James Oche, and his Oju counterpart, Clement Onaa among others, were recently honoured with chieftaincy titles by the Ezza-Ezekunna community of Ado Local Government Area while on a visit to the community.
The Voice, reports that, the Avovo Intermediate Chiefdom in Ado Local Government also known as Zone B comprises, Agila, Ijigban, Ulayi, Ekile districts as well as the Ezza-Ezekunna Igbo – speaking community.
