3 hours ago
1
The Och’Idoma of Idoma Kingdom, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo, has called on his people to embrace peace, forgiveness, and unity in the face of recent tensions and divisions across Idomaland.
Speaking at a royal banquet in Abuja, the monarch, in his address, said true progress could only be achieved when the people reconcile and work together under one purpose.
“Our kingdom cannot progress if we remain divided by grievances and accusations,” the royal father declared.
“The time has come to put behind us the mistakes of yesterday. Let us forgive one another. Let us heal. Let us forge ahead with one heart and one vision, as one people, in one kingdom, sharing one destiny.”
He urged those still nursing resentment over his emergence as monarch to put the interest of the kingdom first and engage constructively rather than sow discord on social media.
“The palace is open to all. Come, let us reason together. Passion on social media will not strengthen our kingdom, but engagement will,” he said, emphasising that the throne is a symbol of unity, not a tool for division.
Turning to the insecurity that has ravaged parts of Idoma land, the Och’Idoma expressed deep sympathy for victims of herdsmen attacks, urging justice and lawful defence of ancestral heritage.
“We sympathise with every family and community that has lost loved ones to these tragic incidents,” he said solemnly.
“Their blood cries for justice, and their memory must strengthen our resolve to defend our heritage within the bounds of the law.”
He reassured the people that the spirit of their forefathers remains alive and that the Idoma nation will overcome every challenge through unity and lawful courage.
“Our forefathers built a strong and united nation. Today, that inheritance stands under siege, but the spirit of our ancestors has not departed from us. We are strong enough to defend our land, our culture, and our dignity, not through violence, but through lawful courage, wisdom, and unity.”
The monarch also praised the success of the Idoma National Unity and Peace Rally held earlier in April 2025, describing it as a clear sign that the people are yearning for harmony.
“That event demonstrated our collective yearning for togetherness. The spirit of that rally must never fade. It must guide our politics, our institutions, and our relationships, because unity is the key that will open every closed door before us,” he said.
He further called for youth empowerment, the protection of women and the vulnerable, and the revival of Idoma cultural heritage, stressing that development must be built on the strength of values, not vanity.
“We must revive the songs, the dances, and the festivals that tell our story. We must teach our children our language as their first language and English as a borrowed one,” the monarch noted. “If we fail to do so, they may one day return home as strangers to their own heritage.”
The Och’Idoma extended a heartfelt appeal to Idoma sons and daughters in the diaspora to return and help rebuild their homeland.
“To our young men and women scattered across the cities and nations of the world, I call upon you, remember your ancestral homeland. Bring your skills home. Bring your energy home. Bring your talents home. Idoma will never truly rise until her children return to lift her high,” he said.
The royal banquet, attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries, ended with a renewed call for collective responsibility and faith in the future.
“The future we desire cannot be achieved in isolation. Our destiny is too great to be sacrificed on the altar of disunity,” he added.
‘We must heal, forgive’ – Och’Idoma calls for end to divisions in Idomaland
