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A storm of controversy erupted in Benue State on November 10, 2025, after activist Asom Jerry was reportedly dragged and humiliated for daring to call on the Tiv Traditional Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, to step down from his revered stool. The demand? That the Tor Tiv resign to take up an appointment as Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs—a move Jerry and his supporters argue would address a glaring leadership vacuum in the state.
The incident, detailed in a viral Facebook post by user Queen-Eva Doosh, has ignited fierce debate across social media and local communities. According to the post, Jerry’s public confrontation with the paramount ruler led to him being physically manhandled—an act many are condemning as a dangerous assault on free speech and civic courage.
Jerry’s core grievance centers on a lingering administrative gap in the Benue State Government. Despite announcements and political maneuvering, the position of Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs remains officially vacant. Critics like Jerry argue that the Tor Tiv, as a respected elder statesman with deep institutional knowledge, is uniquely qualified to fill the role and help stabilize traditional governance structures amid rising tensions over land, security, and local administration.
But tradition runs deep in Tiv land, and the suggestion that the Tor Tiv—considered a sacred embodiment of cultural authority—should trade his stool for a political appointment has been met with fury by royal loyalists. To them, Jerry’s call is not just audacious; it’s sacrilegious. The public dragging, captured in whispers and second-hand accounts circulating online, is being framed by some as a necessary defense of custom, while others see it as mob justice gone too far.
Queen-Eva Doosh didn’t mince words: “This is so wrong.” Her post, accompanied by side-by-side photos of Jerry and the Tor Tiv, quickly gained traction, amassing dozens of comments within hours. Hashtags like #benuestate, #Benue, and #viral are pushing the story beyond local circles, with many questioning whether silencing dissent through violence has any place in a democracy.
The broader context cannot be ignored. Benue has been grappling with farmer-herder clashes, youth unrest, and governance challenges that often spill into traditional institutions. The role of adviser on chieftaincy affairs isn’t just bureaucratic—it’s strategic. With local councils in disarray and disputes over stool succession flaring up regularly, having a figure of the Tor Tiv’s stature in government could bridge critical gaps. Or, as traditionalists fear, it could erode the independence and sanctity of the monarchy.
As of now, neither the Benue State Government nor the Tiv Traditional Council has issued an official statement on the incident or Jerry’s proposal. But the silence is deafening—and telling. Political observers note that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has been navigating a delicate balance between modern governance and cultural preservation, and this episode lays bare the tensions.
Jerry, bloodied but unbowed in the court of public opinion, represents a growing cadre of young Benue voices demanding accountability—not just from elected officials, but from traditional rulers too. Whether his method was brash or brave depends on where one stands between progress and protocol.
One thing is clear: this isn’t just about one man being dragged through the streets. It’s about power, respect, and who gets to define leadership in a state where tradition and politics are inextricably linked. As the dust settles, Benue watches—and waits—to see if this outburst of anger will spark reform, or simply reinforce the walls between palace and people.
Freedom of expression is a constitutional right. Physical intimidation is not. The line must be drawn, and drawn firmly, before the next voice is silenced not with words, but with force.
