By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Idjerhe Traditional Council has announced the indefinite suspension of 16 chiefs, including the Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, Chief Solomon Odemero Ojariafe, over allegations of sacrilege, insubordination, maladministration and financial impropriety.
The decision was disclosed on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during a press briefing addressed on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Udurhie I, the Ovie of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, by the Crown OTOTA, Uzzi Onosia James Obriki.
According to the Traditional Council, Chief Solomon Ojariafe was accused of leading actions considered disrespectful to the throne, including allegedly instructing chiefs of the Idjerhe Central Oguedion to boycott the Ovie’s fifth coronation anniversary celebrations held between January 15 and 18, 2026.
The council described the boycott as a grave sacrilege and an affront to royal authority.
The council further revealed that invitations to the anniversary had been sent earlier in January to the three Oguedions of the kingdom, but the Idjerhe Central Oguedion rejected its invitation on the grounds of a disputed traditional title referenced in the letter.
The palace clarified that the administrative structure of the kingdom recognises three independent Oguedions, each presided over by an Unugbrogodo who is subordinate to the Ovie.
Tensions reportedly escalated following intelligence that Chief Ojariafe intended to authorise a community festival without royal consent.
The Traditional Council stressed that the Ovie remains the sole custodian of Idjerhe traditions and the authority responsible for fixing dates for all traditional ceremonies.
In addition, the palace accused the Idjerhe Central Oguedion of refusing, since February 2025, to submit a list of palace chiefs as required by tradition—an obligation already fulfilled by the Onyobru and Boboroku Oguedions.
The refusal, the council alleged, was driven by fears of divided loyalties.
The council also faulted Chief Ojariafe for hosting the leadership of a banned traditional chiefs’ association, contrary to a directive by the Urhobo Traditional Council under the chairmanship of His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Sideso Abbey I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.
As part of the sanctions, Chief Ojariafe was derobbed of his position as Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion and suspended indefinitely as a chief of the kingdom.
The other suspended chiefs are Michael Enakposegha, Super Abonoko, Wilfred Agidi, Samson Atanaga, Lucky Akpore, Odoji Dimiyo Emakuneyi, Mathieu Abobo, James Otugoma, Henry Otubu, Lucky Emoefe, Omonigho Enakposegha, Edafe Ikewu, Fidelis Sago, Mathew Adegor and Eugene Adegor.
The Traditional Council further alleged that Chief Ojariafe failed to account for more than ₦25 million that accrued to the Idjerhe Central Oguedion’s account during his tenure.
The council appealed to sons and daughters of Idjerhe Kingdom to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the traditional administration is committed to preserving peace, order and the sanctity of the kingdom’s customs.
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