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The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, His Royal Highness, Professor James Orzua Ayatse (Tor Tiv V), has announced landmark reforms to traditional practices, marking one of the most significant cultural policy shifts in recent Tiv history.
The resolutions were unveiled during the Ijir Tamen — the General Assembly of the Tiv Nation — presided over by the Tor Tiv himself. The decisions aim to promote unity, financial prudence, gender equity, cultural discipline, and social responsibility among Tiv people both at home and in the diaspora.
Key reforms include:
– **Burial Reforms**: All burials must now be concluded within three days and remain strictly family affairs. Loud, elaborate ceremonies have been strongly discouraged. Burial remembrances are outright banned to curb financial wastefulness. Married women are no longer compelled to contribute to burial expenses in their husbands’ families unless they voluntarily choose to do so.
– Inheritance Rights for Women: In a progressive move, Tiv women have been granted full inheritance rights, with these rights to be legally recognised and protected in courts of law. The decision is expected to strengthen gender inclusion within the traditional framework.
– Marriage Spending Cap: Traditional marriage expenses have been capped at ₦100,000 to curb excessive spending. Additional directives include a ban on cake-cutting during traditional marriages and the discontinuation of “kwase kuhan” celebrations at the father-in-law’s residence.
– Prohibition of Domestic Violence: Domestic violence has been strictly prohibited, applying equally to men and women.
– Royal Stool Remains Male-Exclusive: The Tor Tiv reaffirmed that women cannot be crowned as kings in Tiv land, maintaining the traditional position on male exclusivity for the royal stool.
– Ban on Ogogoro: Consumption of ogogoro (local gin) has been prohibited within Tiv Kingdom to promote social discipline.
– Women Empowerment Scheme (BAM): A new women-focused contribution scheme named BAM has been established to provide loans and support economic empowerment initiatives within Tiv communities.
– Tiv Television Launch: The Tor Tiv announced the debut of Tiv Television on Facebook, with plans for expansion into full broadcast television to strengthen cultural identity and global reach.
– Security Deliberations: The assembly also discussed security challenges affecting Tiv land, though specific details were not disclosed.
The resolutions are binding on all Tiv sons and daughters worldwide, underscoring the authority of the traditional institution beyond geographical boundaries. Observers describe the reforms as a strategic recalibration of Tiv customs — balancing tradition with modern realities while reinforcing discipline, dignity, unity, and economic responsibility. The Ijir Tamen, attended by traditional rulers, elders, and representatives from Tiv communities across the globe, signals a renewed commitment to cultural evolution and societal progress.
