David Olofu has been apparently taken off the list of notable Idoma achievers scheduled for honors on Saturday, June 29, 2024, by Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Olofu was a Finance Commissioner under former Governor Samuel Ortom’s administration. The Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, CON, included Olofu on a broad list of worthy honorees at the upcoming event.
The list also includes Samuel Ode, the deputy of Catholic priest Alia, and him. Notable for being the first Idomaland-born Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Godwin Obla is one of the 17 men on the list.
Alia will receive the title of “the promise keeper,” Okamaleya K’Idoma, while Ode will receive the honor of Ebeneigbogwu K’Idoma. Obla has been primed as Owo’Ichoha K’Idoma, while Olofu from the Apa local government area is listed for investiture as Oyakwei K’Idoma, or the one who gets things done. Among the notable Idoma achievers listed for the ceremony on Saturday, June 29, 2024 are Abba Adaudu, Francis Alochu, Nick Eworo, John Otse Aboh, Ameh Idoko, Bonny Apochi, Ojotu Ojema, Ogaji Bright Igodo, and Paul Samuel Edeh. On the list of recipients are Ujah Innocent, Ochacho Muhammad, Michael Oglegba, Lami Danladi, and Patrick Agwo Olonta.
HRM Obagaji is a pastor of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry. Ortom installed him as Och’Idoma in December 2021. Having assembled a formidable and unbiased committee to choose deserving Idoma front-runners worthy of acknowledgment, the planned investiture is possibly the largest Och’Idoma event to date.
Olofu’s delisting has not been officially explained, but it might have something to do with his affiliation with the Ortom administration during its eight consecutive years in power.
The scapegoating of David Olofu for his mere status as a top official in the Ortom administration is beyond comprehension to the general public. Olofu answered to the call to serve by stepping aside from his flourishing business ventures to take on the role of exchequer of the state, which undoubtedly placed him in an enviable position of authority. But he was never the state’s chief executive or its approving officer. John Adoche, a youth leader from Idoma land, stated that there are doubts about the sincerity of Alia’s priesthood, particularly in light of his purportedly vindictive administrative style.