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 insubordination, sacrilege, maladministration, and financial impropriety.
The decision was made public on Saturday during a press briefing delivered by the Crown OTOTA of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, Chief Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Udurhie I, the Ovie of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, and the Idjerhe Traditional Council.
According to the Council, the crisis escalated during activities marking the 5th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, held between January 15 and 18, 2026. Chief Ojariafe was accused of instructing chiefs under the Idjerhe Central Oguedion to boycott the celebration—an action the Council described as “a sacrilege and a profound disrespect to the throne.”
Chief Obriki further disclosed that invitations for the anniversary, dispatched on January 8, 2026, were sent to the three Oguedions of the kingdom—Idjerhe Central, Onyobru, and Boboroku. While the latter two accepted, Chief Ojariafe allegedly rejected the invitation addressed to the Idjerhe Central Oguedion on the grounds that it referenced the “Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Kingdom,” a title he claimed was inappropriate.
Clarifying the matter, the Crown OTOTA stated that the Idjerhe Kingdom traditionally recognizes three independent Oguedions, each presided over by an Unugbrogodo (Duke) who remains subordinate to the Ovie for administrative purposes.
The Council said the immediate trigger for the press briefing was intelligence received on January 24, 2026, suggesting that Chief Ojariafe intended to instruct the Chief Priest (Ojada) of Idjerhe Central to conduct a community festival without royal approval.
“The King is the sole custodian and supreme authority of Idjerhe traditions,” Chief Obriki emphasized, noting that the fixing of dates for all traditional ceremonies is a royal function carried out at the palace in the presence of all chiefs, including the Iyasere (Crown OTOTA).
The Council also accused Chief Ojariafe of consistently refusing, since February 2025, to submit a list of palace chiefs from Idjerhe Central Oguedion as required by tradition. While Onyobru and Boboroku Oguedions complied, Idjerhe Central allegedly did not.
According to the briefing, this refusal stemmed from fears that palace-appointed chiefs would no longer be personally loyal to Chief Ojariafe.
Further allegations included Chief Ojariafe’s recent reception of leaders of a banned traditional chiefs’ association, despite a standing prohibition issued by the Urhobo Traditional Council, chaired by His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Sideso Abbey I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.
The Idjerhe Traditional Council described the meeting as “a direct affront” to Urhobo traditional authorities and the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom.
Suspended Chiefs
The following chiefs were suspended indefinitely:
Chief Solomon Odemero Ojariafe – derobbed as Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion and suspended as a chief
Chief Michael Enakposegha
Chief Super Abonoko
Chief Wilfred Agidi
Chief Samson Atanaga
Chief Lucky Akpore
Chief Odoji Dimiyo Emakuneyi
Chief Mathieu Abobo
Chief James Otugoma
Chief Henry Otubu
Chief Lucky Emoefe
Chief Omonigho Enakposegha
Chief Edafe Ikewu
Chief Fidelis Sago
Chief Mathew Adegor
Chief Eugene Adegor
The Council stated that the suspensions were due to gross misconduct, insubordination, maladministration, and financial impropriety.
Specifically, Chief Ojariafe was accused of failing to account for over ₦25 million allegedly received into the Idjerhe Central Oguedion’s account during his tenure.
Chief Obriki concluded by urging all sons and daughters of Idjerhe Kingdom to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the traditional leadership is committed to maintaining peace, order, and stability within the kingdom
