A STUDY ON THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE OCH'IDOMA CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION FROM 1946 TO 2022

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study In the Idoma territory, the kingship institution—known as OCH'IDOMA—functions as a hereditary monarchy, comparable to similar systems found in other Idoma communities. Within this traditional leadership structure, delegation plays a key role in nearly all official duties performed by the king. According to Robert Oche Egede, an Arapa native of the Idoma region, it is deemed unlawful for the king to appear in public markets. The OCH'IDOMA avoids attending funerals due to cultural restrictions against contact with the dead (Erim, 2016). Additionally, the king stays away from social events believed to attract spirits or supernatural forces. This suggests that the OCH'IDOMA kingship operates within a deeply spiritual and elevated cosmological framework. It can be inferred that the strong spiritual nature of the OCH'IDOMA worldview contributes to the sacred and often mysterious character of the kingship institution. In societies where people are seen as both vulnerable and headstrong, such traditions may risk disregarding the ancestral spirits and invisible forces believed to inhabit public spaces like markets and streets. The OCH'IDOMA may have started as a mortal leader, but over time, the institution has transformed into something more ethereal. This transformation is reinforced through coronation rituals and various other cultural ceremonies aimed at concealing the king's human qualities from the public eye. In contrast, contemporary Idoma society reveals notable changes in this traditional system. The requirement for a king to be of advanced age or of especially virtuous character has diminished. Today, when it is a particular lineage’s turn to produce a king, they have the discretion to nominate anyone they consider suitable, regardless of age. As a result, many communities across modern-day Idoma land are now ruled by relatively young individuals. Despite these changes, the OCH'IDOMA remains a key spiritual figure—charged with the custodianship of sacred artifacts and the performance of religious duties on behalf of the community. The king also serves as a vital channel of communication between the people and their ancestors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the historical development and transformation of the OCH'IDOMA chieftaincy institution from 1946 to 2022. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Traditional institutions in Nigeria have continued to exist and evolve throughout the country’s political history, spanning the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods. During the pre-colonial era, these institutions were simultaneously strengthened and undermined, empowered and restrained by emerging political elites. Before the arrival of European colonial powers, traditional rulers in Nigeria held dual roles—as both the political leaders of their communities and the custodians of their people’s history, culture, religion, and economy. These rulers not only directed political affairs within their domains but also safeguarded economic systems and cultural values long before European contact. Given these dynamics, this study focuses on tracing the transformation of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution between 1946 and 2022. 1.3 Objective of the Study The main objective of this research is to examine the evolution of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution from 1946 to 2022. The specific objectives are: i. To explore the geography and historical background of the Idoma people. ii. To assess the history of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution. iii. To investigate the transformation and development of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution over time. 1.4 Research Questions i. What is the geographical and historical background of the Idoma people? ii. What is the history of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution? iii. How has the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution evolved over time? 1.5 Significance of the Study This research will be valuable to both the people and government of Benue State, as it will provide a detailed understanding of the history and development of the kingship institution in the region. It will shed light on the growth and transformation of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy system over the years. Beyond meeting academic requirements for graduation, the researcher intends to publish this work for public accessibility. Relevant government bodies will also be presented with the findings for consideration and potential policy action. Furthermore, the study will serve as a vital academic resource, especially for scholars interested in traditional institutions within southern Benue State and the Idoma people specifically. It contributes meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge in this field. 1.6 Scope of the Study The research is focused on the evolution of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution between 1946 and 2022. Empirically, it will explore the geography and historical background of the Idoma people, assess the origins and history of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy, and investigate how the institution has evolved during the stated period. Geographically, the scope of this study is limited to Idoma land in Benue State. 1.7 Research Methodology 1.To effectively address the research objectives, this study will employ both historical and exploratory research design approaches. The historical method will be used to examine past events related to the development of the chieftaincy, thereby enabling the researcher to draw meaningful conclusions. The exploratory design will allow for a deeper understanding of the institution’s evolution using available documentation and evidence. Research methodology refers to the various techniques and strategies used in conducting a study, as well as the instruments used for data collection. For this particular research, historical methods will be utilized, and data will be gathered through a descriptive approach. This will involve sourcing materials from secondary sources, including books, journal articles, magazines, online publications, national and international conference proceedings, and both published and unpublished documents.