The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, has in a rare show of cross-cultural recognition, conferred a prestigious chieftaincy title on a Yoruba businessman, Asiwaju Isaac Akinkunmi, in acknowledgement of his sustained contributions to the economic development of Benue State.
Akinkunmi, founder of Tito Yoghurt and the Tito Group of Companies, was bestowed with the title Vanya-u-Dedoo-u-Tiv – meaning Good Guest of the Tiv Nation – during a recent colourful ceremony at the Tor Tiv’s palace in Gboko Local Government Area. His wife was also honoured with the title Hwan Vanya-u-Dedoo-u-Tiv, translated as Rib of the Good Guest of the Tiv Nation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Tor Tiv said the honour was in recognition of Akinkunmi’s long-standing investments and positive socio-economic impact on Benue State, noting that the title automatically makes him a member of the Tor Tiv Advisory Council.
He urged the businessman to continue promoting unity, peace and development among the Tiv people and beyond.
The event, which featured rich Tiv cultural displays and traditional rites, showed the esteem in which the Tiv nation holds the businessman, who has lived and operated in the state for decades.
In his response, Akinkunmi expressed profound gratitude to the Tiv Traditional Council, describing the honour as deeply humbling and symbolic.
He said the recognition was particularly meaningful as it came from a people he has lived and worked with for nearly 40 years, adding that the unsolicited honour reflected mutual trust, acceptance and shared values.
