Idoma People Of Benue State

The Idoma people are the second largest ethnic group in Benue State and occupy 7 local government areas in western Benue State. These are:

1. Ado local government area
2. Agatu local government area
3. Apa local government area
4. Ohimini local government area
5. Ogbadibo local government area
6. Okpokwu local government area, and
7. Otukpo local government area

Though there are other Idoma groups in parts of Nassarawa and Cross Rivers States.

The majority of the people of Idoma Land speak Idoma language with different dialects. These dialects are:

• Western Idoma
  (Okpokwu and Ogbadibo)
• Central Idoma
  (Otukpo and Ohimini)
• Southern Idoma
  (Ado)
• Northern Idoma
  (Agatu and Apa)
• Akweya
  (Akpa in Otukpo) and
• Ufia
  (Utonkon in Ado)

Predominantly Idoma people are farmers who grow crops like yam, cassava, corn, rice, soya beans and palm fruits.

Och’Idoma is the leader of the Idoma people in Benue State, his resident is the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo.

The current traditional ruler is HRH John Elaigwu Odogbo elected Och’Idoma V.  

Past Och’Idomas are:

1. HRH Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa was elected Och’Idoma from 1996 to October 2021
2. HRH Late Agabaidu Edwin Ogbu reigned from 1996 to 1997.
3. HRH Late Abraham Ajene Okpabi of Igede descent ruled from 1960 to 1995. 
4. HRH Late Agabaidu Ogiri Oko reigned from 1948 to 1959.