Alleged insubordination, financial misconduct: Idjerhe Traditional Council suspends Unugbrogodo, 15 others ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

The Idjerhe Traditional Council in Ethiope West local government area , has announced the indefinite suspension of the Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, Chief Solomon Odemero Ojariafe and 15 other chiefs over allegations bordering on insubordination, sacrilege, maladministration, and financial impropriety.

The indefinite suspensions , according to the Idjerhe Traditional Council, followed a series of actions by the affected chiefs that were deemed disrespectful to the throne and contrary to established traditions.

Briefing newsmen on Saturday 24th January 2026, the Crown OTOTA ( spokesman) of the great Idjerhe kingdom , on behalf of His Royal Majesty , Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhie 1, the Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom and Idjerhe Traditional Council, Chief Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, said tensions heightened during activities marking the 5th Coronation Anniversary held by the Monarch between January 15 and January 18, 2026.

According to the Crown OTOTA, the embattled Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, Chief Ojariafe, allegedly directed chiefs under Idjerhe Central Oguedion, to boycott the celebration of the Monarch's 5th Coronation Anniversary, an act the Council described as "a sacrilege and grave affront on royal authority".

Clarifying that invitations for the anniversary sent out on January 8, 2026 were addressed to the three Oguedions of the kingdom--Idjerhe Central, Onyobru, and Boboroku, the council said while Onyobru and Boboroku accepted the invitation, Chief Ojariafe allegedly rejected the one sent to Idjerhe Central, citing objections to the use of the title "Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe kingdom", as reason for declining the invitation

The Crown OTOTA clarified that that each of the three Oguedions is headed by an Unugbrogodo who remains administratively subordinate to the Ovie, and as such , nothing like "Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe kingdom", exists.

Chief Obriki further disclosed that the Council received intelligence reports on January 24th, 2026, indicating that the embattled Chief Ojariafe planned to instruct the Chief Priest of Idjerhe Central to conduct a community festival without royal approval, stressing that fixing of dates for traditional ceremonies is the exclusive prerogative of the Ovie, and must be carried out at the Palace in the presence of all relevant chiefs.

In addition, also , to the accusations of defiance and administrative misconduct, the Council also accused Chief Ojariafe of failing to account for over #25 million allegedly received into the Idjerhe Central Oguedion account during his tenure as well as citing his alleged association with leaders of a banned traditional chiefs group as further justification for the suspension.

The Crown OTOTA of ldjerhe Traditional Council, Chief Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, therefore urged the people of the kingdom to remain calm and law abiding , assuring that efforts will continue to maintain peace and stability in Idjerhe kingdom.