Idjerhe Kingdom suspends 16 Chiefs, derobes Chief Solomon Ojariafe over alleged sacrilege, insubordination

The Idjerhe traditional council has announced the suspension of 16 chiefs, including the derobing of Chief Solomon Odemero Ojariafe as Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, over alleged acts described as sacrilege, disrespect, and insubordination against the throne.

Addressing Journalists on 24th January 2026, Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, Crown (OTOTA) of Great Idjerhe Kingdom, said he spoke on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Udurhie I, the Ovie of the great Idjerhe Kingdom, and the Idjerhe Traditional Council, noting that the briefing was delivered “with a heavy heart.” He stated that the council was compelled to address “several acts of sacrilege, disrespect, and insubordination committed by Chief Solomon Odemero Ojariafe.”

The council alleged that during the celebration of His Royal Majesty’s 5th Coronation Anniversary held from 15th to 18th January 2026, Chief Solomon Ojariafe instructed all chiefs of the Idjerhe Central Oguedion to boycott the ceremony, with a majority complying. The council described the action as “a sacrilege and a profound disrespect to the throne.”

It further disclosed that on 8th January 2026, letters of invitation for the anniversary were sent to the three Oguedions of the Idjerhe Kingdom, but Chief Solomon Ojariafe rejected the invitation meant for Idjerhe Central Oguedion, claiming it was addressed to the “Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Kingdom.” The council said this nomenclature “is alien to the culture and tradition of our great kingdom,” explaining that the three Oguedions in Idjerhe Kingdom are independent and each is presided over by an Unugbrogodo (Duke) subordinate to the King for administrative purposes.

The briefing also cited an incident of 24th January 2026, where the council said it received reliable information that Chief Solomon Ojariafe intended to issue a sacred order for the Chief Priest (Ojada) of Idjerhe Central to conduct a community festival without the King’s consent. According to the council, the King is “the sole custodian and supreme authority of our traditions,” and setting dates for traditional ceremonies is the King’s function, carried out at the palace in the presence of all Chiefs, including the traditional Prime Minister, Crown OTOTA – Iyasere.

Additionally, the palace noted that since February 2025, it had requested the three Oguedions: Idjerhe Central, Onyobru, and Boboroku to submit lists of palace chiefs as required by tradition. While Onyobru and Boboroku complied, Idjerhe Central Oguedion allegedly refused, a move the council attributed to Chief Solomon Ojariafe’s fear that such appointees would no longer be loyal to him.

The council also referenced a directive by the Urhobo Traditional Council under the chairmanship of His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Sideso Abbey I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, which banned traditional Chiefs’ associations throughout the Urhobo nation. It alleged that Chief Solomon Ojariafe recently received the leadership of one such banned group, describing the meeting as “an affront and a direct disregard for the Urhobo traditional rulers, including the Ovie of the great Idjerhe Kingdom.”

To “maintain peace and sanity within the great Idjerhe Kingdom,” the following chiefs were suspended indefinitely for “gross misconduct, insubordination, maladministration, and financial impropriety”.

Chief Solomon Ojariafe – derobbed as Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion and suspended as a Chief of Idjerhe Kingdom indefinitely, 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 specifically alleged that as Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, Chief Solomon Ojariafe failed to account for over ₦25 million that came into the Oguedion’s account.

The statement urged all Idjerhe sons and daughters to remain law abiding, assuring that the traditional administration is committed to ensuring peace and tranquility in the kingdom.