Traditional leaders have faulted the indiscriminate wearing of cultural beads at social and political events, saying it undermines the authority and identity of royal families and recognised traditional institutions.
In separate interviews with our Reporter, they said beads worn by traditional rulers and royal families have distinct designs and significance, which should not be confused with commercially available ornaments.
A Kindred Head in Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area, Chief Awase Nyebe, urged residents to avoid wearing traditional beads on their right hands, explaining that the practice is reserved for installed traditional rulers and symbolises ancestral prestige and cultural authority.
Chief Nyebe who said the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse, had proposed numbering beads reserved for traditional rulers to distinguish them from ordinary ornaments, urged the Benue State Traditional Council to establish clear guidelines regulating their use by people outside royal households.
He recommended that only authorised traditional craftsmen should produce beads for traditional rulers, warning commercial bead makers against imitating the sizes, shapes and textures of royal ornaments.
Also speaking, Kindred Head of Azomum Ikyangee Community, Logo Two in Makurdi, Chief Orjime Adagigh, said not all traditional rulers were entitled to wear certain categories of beads and urged young people, particularly those outside royal families, to avoid wearing them, warning that such practices could amount to impersonation.
On his part, the Adiokpa of the Igede clan in Makurdi, Chief Peter Acho, described traditional beads and attire as important symbols of cultural identity that must be respected, expressing concern that the disregard for traditional institutions has led to the abandonment of cultural values such as indigenous languages and communal living.
Chief Acho said the regulation of traditional beads remained under consideration by the Igede Council and urged residents to respect guidelines issued by traditional institutions
