The Idjerhe Traditional Council in Delta State has suspended 16 chiefs indefinitely in a decisive move to restore peace, discipline and respect for traditional authority within the kingdom.
The action affects several titled chiefs, including Solomon Ojariafe, who has been derobbed as the Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, alongside other prominent members of the traditional hierarchy.
According to the council, the suspensions were based on allegations of gross misconduct, insubordination, maladministration and financial impropriety, which it said threatened the peace and long-standing customs of the Idjerhe Kingdom. Central to the crisis is Ojariafe, who was accused of failing to account for over ₦25 million said to have accrued to the Idjerhe Central Oguedion during his tenure, as well as acts described as sacrilegious and openly defiant to the authority of the Ovie.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Crown (Otota) of the kingdom, Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Udurhie I, said Ojariafe also allegedly instructed chiefs to boycott the Ovie’s 5th coronation anniversary held between January 15 and 18, 2026.
The council described the move, including the rejection of official invitations, as a grave insult to the throne and a serious breach of tradition.