By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation worldwide, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv V, has reaffirmed that women cannot be crowned kings in Tiv land, even as he announced sweeping reforms to traditional practices across the kingdom.
Speaking during the Ijir Tamen (Supreme Council of the Tiv Nation) meeting held in Gboko at the weekend, the monarch maintained that Tiv kingship remains exclusively male and cautioned that no amendment should be sought to alter that aspect of the culture.
While upholding the tradition of male leadership, the Tor Tiv also introduced several modernising reforms, including granting Tiv women equal inheritance rights for the first time in history.
He said women are now entitled to inherit property on the same basis as men, with their rights to be recognised and protected by the courts.
Professor Ayatse described the reform as a step toward justice and inclusivity, adding that Tiv culture must evolve to reflect fairness and equality in today’s society.
The monarch also announced changes to burial customs, directing that funerals must be concluded within three days and remain strictly family affairs.
He prohibited loud or extravagant burials and outlawed the taxation of married women during such ceremonies, except for voluntary contributions while burial remembrance events were banned as well, with the council describing them as a waste of financial resources.
On marriage practices, the Tor Tiv fixed a spending ceiling of N100,000 on traditional marriages and banned the cutting of cakes during such ceremonies.
He also ordered that celebrations for new brides should no longer take place in the father-in-law’s residence.
The council further warned against domestic violence, stressing that abuse by either spouse was contrary to Tiv values and would no longer be tolerated.
In a move to regulate social conduct, the monarch banned the consumption of locally distilled alcohol known as ogogoro throughout Tiv land.
He also announced the establishment of Tiv Television, a new media platform to promote Tiv culture, which will begin streaming on Facebook before expanding to mainstream television.
To strengthen women’s economic empowerment, the Tor Tiv launched a contribution and loan initiative known as Bam, designed to support women entrepreneurs and small business owners across Tiv communities.
Although details of the council’s security discussions were not disclosed, His Royal Majesty assured that all resolutions were made to foster peace, unity, and the cultural advancement of the Tiv nation.
