The Chieftaincy Title Fits Prince Wombo

Bob Marley once sang that “he who the cap fits, let him wear it.” This timeless assertion aptly captures the recent decision of the Tiv Traditional Council to confer a chieftaincy title on Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo, the lawmaker representing Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

Although the Tiv Traditional Council is yet to publicly disclose the specific title to be bestowed on him, there is a growing consensus that the honour fittingly reflects Prince Wombo’s contributions to public service and community development. The decision has generated widespread feelings of fulfilment, particularly across the Sankera geopolitical axis of Benue State.

The gesture symbolizes the clear recognition of a “Prince of Peace” whose value additions in spheres of public reckoning have not gone unnoticed. His record of service, especially during his tenure as Special Adviser on Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, justifies the honour. In that role, Prince Wombo offered sound policy advice that contributed significantly to the stability and functionality of the traditional institution. The impact of those policies continues to shape and strengthen the system today.

Beyond his official duties, Prince Wombo demonstrated a consistent commitment to unity, rejecting tendencies that breed division and undermine governance. This disposition became evident during efforts to address the political rift between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the incumbent Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

Concerned by the lingering cold war between the two leaders, the Tiv Traditional Council, under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, convened a stakeholders’ dialogue aimed at closing the unnecessary gaps. While the meeting reportedly yielded limited progress, Prince Wombo was said to have spoken with honesty and courage, earning the respect of traditional custodians, even as his position faced opposition from some quarters.

What followed were alleged threats to his life—an ordeal that aligns with Bongos Ikwue’s famous line that “nothing good comes easy.” Prince Wombo, by all indications, understands and accepts this reality.

Conversely, the legendary Kenny Rogers once observed that “all good things are seen like the hero in a story.” In this narrative of service, sacrifice and principled leadership, the Tiv Traditional Council has identified Prince Solomon Wombo as a hero worthy of honour. The chieftaincy title, therefore, stands as a deserved recognition of his contributions and a commendation of his steadfast commitment to unity, tradition and good governance.