N9m contribution for the renovation of Och’Idoma’s Palace tears Benue Zone C chairmen apart (PHOTOS) All hope for renovation of the ruined Ochi’Idoma’s Palace, Otukpo has been dashed as some leaders in Idoma land have squashed the efforts of a top local government chairman in Idoma territory, famously known as Benue Zone C to help reshape the palace. This is coming barely two months after your ‘Kings of Community Tabloid’, Idoma Voice reported how grasses have overtaken the Idoma traditional ground. The story, which triggered social media tsunami, was highly commended by Idoma natives both at home and in the Diaspora. Idoma Voice reported that a step into the palace brings shame and disappointment as weeds are literally in contention of the throne with the monarch. Grasses have found resting place on the fence surrounding the Royal Villa. The Och’Idoma’s Palace is the symbolic totem of the Idoma community, the second largest ethnic group in Benue State, comprising of no less than 22 districts and 144 clans. The palace is the residence of the spiritual head and custodian of the tradition of the Idoma nation. Apparently moved by the ‘heat’ of the story, an in-law to a popular Idoma politician and a current local government chairman tasked all the 9 local government chairmen in the zone to contribute N1m each for the renovation of the pavilion at the Och’Idoma Square as well as the repainting of the entire palace. His request was an obvious attempt of the venom on the rock as those concerned claimed they ran out of cash. “When the heat became unbearable, the politician summoned all the zone C chairmen and asked them to contribute N1m each for the renovation of the palace. It was really sad that they could not cough out N9m to help renovate the decayed palace. They claimed they ran out of cash,” a close insider told Idoma Voice in Otukpo. It was gathered that some persons promised to contribute but not up to the one million-naira requested. Speaking further, the source said: “Is this how other tribes threat their kings? I am sure this is not how the Tor Tiv is being treated. I am sure the Oba of Lagos’ palace is not like this. I am ashamed,” the visibly angry king said blasted. Efforts to reach secretary of the Idoma Area Traditional Council for comment at the time of this report were fruitless.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 07:15:19 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015