Wednesday, December 22, 2010

No unauthorised chieftaincy titles, says Ochidoma

THE paramount traditional ruler of Idoma, His Royal Highness Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa believes the culture and traditions of his people have come under considerable assault and has taken steps to check the trend.

Henceforth, the Ochi Idoma said, no socio-cultural organisation in his kingdom will be permitted to confer any chieftaincy titles on anyone either at home or anywhere else.

In a statement signed by the secretary of Idoma Area Traditional Council, Mr Joseph Ada and obtained by Newsextra, the king said no Idoma group or individual has powers to confer chieftaincy titles because it is the prerogative of the president and members of the Idoma Area Traditional Council in Otukpo, Benue State.

The Idoma Traditional Council also totally condemned the recent inauguration of the Ad’Idoma of Kaduna, in Kaduna State as well as all chieftaincy titles conferred during the ceremony.

The council warned that any Idoma man or woman who violated the declaration will be sanctioned.

The traditional council declared that the Ad’Idoma title should not be used by anyone without authorisation because it is sacred. Its holders are said to undergo certain rituals in accordance with the customs and traditions of Idoma people before they can adopt it.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Ernest gets busy









Ace cinematographer and head-honcho of Arts Temple Production, Ernest Ochayi Igah is now working round the clock. The reason Off the Stage gathered is unconnected to his preparation in order to hit the market shelves with his new chart-bursting flick Oyinbonobi (Black American) during this yuletide.
Recently in Otukpo, Off the Stage spotted the moviemaker running helter-skelter from one street to the other. When asked, the producer of first ever Idoma epic movie (Ochanya) affirmed that his production outfit is set to shock movie buffs with his new effort. Anyway, Oga Ernest, carry go, the Lord is your strength.