The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has called for greater unity, fairness and inclusiveness among the Tiv people, while urging the Mzough U Tiv United Kingdom (MUTUK) to sustain its contribution to the development of Benue State and the preservation of Tiv cultural heritage.
The monarch made the call at the 2026 Tiv Day Annual Conference and Cultural Festival organised by MUTUK in the United Kingdom.
The event brought together prominent Tiv leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, women and community representatives, as well as members of the wider Nigerian community in the United Kingdom.
The celebration provided an opportunity for the Tiv diaspora to reflect on developments in Benue State, the security and socio-economic challenges confronting the people, and the need to preserve Tiv culture and identity among younger generations.
Speaking at the event, the President of MUTUK, Chief Bemdoo Aleva, commended members of the organisation for their continued commitment and contributions to the growth of the Tiv community in the UK.
Aleva called for greater recognition of the professional capacity of the Tiv diaspora in the affairs of Benue State, particularly in the appointment of qualified professionals to key positions in government.
He said the Tiv community in the diaspora possessed considerable expertise across various sectors and was willing to deploy its knowledge, experience and international networks to support the development of the state.
According to him, “We have professionals in all walks of life within the diaspora who can and are willing to contribute meaningfully to the development of Benue State.”
Agbecha seeks calm over ranching policy
The President-General of Mzough u Tiv Worldwide and Gar-yo-u-Tiv, Air Commodore Titus Terhemba Agbecha (retd), commended MUTUK for its sustained contributions to the Tiv nation and for providing a platform for cultural celebration and community engagement.
Agbecha said the celebration was taking place against the backdrop of difficult circumstances confronting Tiv communities in Nigeria.
He expressed concern over the Federal Government’s announcement concerning the provision of land for ranching in Benue and other states, saying the development had generated mixed feelings among the people.
He, however, appealed to Benue people to remain calm and law-abiding while the leadership of Mzough u Tiv engages relevant authorities to address the concerns of the people.
He also warned against actions capable of creating divisions among the Tiv, stressing the need for unity at a time when the community was facing significant challenges.
Tor Tiv: Mzough u Tiv is for unity, not politics
The Tor Tiv traced the origin of MUTUK to the reign of the third Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Akperan Orshi, explaining that the organisation was established as an instrument for unity among the Tiv people.
He said the principle of unity remained central to the activities of Mzough u Tiv and urged the organisation to remain focused on its founding objectives.
The monarch also stressed that Mzough u Tiv was not a political organisation and should not be subjected to partisan political interests.
He said the Tiv principle of Ya Na Angbian — which embodies fairness and equitable treatment — should guide the selection of leaders.
According to him, leadership should be based on credibility, competence and appropriate credentials rather than political considerations.
The Tor Tiv commended MUTUK for promoting inclusiveness and praised the elders of the organisation for supporting its leadership and providing guidance.
He described Tiv Day as particularly important to younger Tiv people in the diaspora, saying the annual celebration offered an opportunity to transmit the people’s history, culture, values and traditions to future generations.
He also commended the Idoma community for its consistent participation in MUTUK’s Tiv Day celebrations.
The monarch urged closer cooperation between the Tiv and Idoma communities, suggesting that Tiv Day and Idoma Day should be organised on dates close to each other to enable him and the Och’Idoma to attend both events together.
Tor Tiv announces reforms to marriage, inheritance customs
The traditional ruler also used the occasion to highlight reforms introduced to some traditional practices which he said had contributed to retrogression in Tiv society.
He specifically addressed marriage customs and the issue of dowry, declaring that dowry should not exceed N100,000 and must be conducted in accordance with Tiv tradition.
He cited the marriages of his two daughters, a lawyer and a medical doctor, as examples, saying only N1,000 was collected as dowry in each case.
The monarch also spoke on inheritance, stressing that the birth of a male child should not automatically confer greater inheritance rights than those of female children.
He said that upon the death of a father, his property should devolve on his wives and children rather than extended relatives such as uncles and brothers.
He added that female children should also participate in the inheritance of their father’s property, with ancestral land being the only exception.
Security improving, but Tiv land remains under threat
On the security situation in Tiv land, the Tor Tiv expressed concern over attacks on Tiv communities and what he described as attempts to take over the ancestral lands of the people.
He, however, said there had been improvements in the security situation.
The monarch reiterated the Tiv people’s opposition to RUGA, cattle colonies and similar initiatives, regardless of the nomenclature under which they might be introduced.
He also drew attention to the challenge of human trafficking in Benue State, describing it as a disturbing development requiring urgent attention.
He acknowledged the efforts of his wife, Prof. Felicia Ayatse, in the campaign against human trafficking and in raising awareness about the menace.
Alia: Diaspora strategic partners in Benue development
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Aber Serumun Deborah.
Deborah conveyed the governor’s emphasis on harmony, inclusive governance and partnerships as key drivers of development in the state.
She highlighted the administration’s efforts in infrastructure, education, healthcare, digital revitalisation and road construction, particularly initiatives aimed at improving access and stimulating economic activities.
She also pointed to the government’s renewed focus on transforming agriculture into a more productive and commercially viable sector capable of creating wealth and improving livelihoods.
According to her, the future development of Benue State must be built around partnerships involving government, the private sector, communities and the diaspora.
She described the Benue diaspora as a major development resource because of its professional expertise, international networks and institutional connections.
“The diaspora is one of the greatest resources to tap from, based on their professional networks and capacity,” she said.
She added that the Alia administration regarded the diaspora as strategic partners in the development of Benue State.
Dignitaries grace event
Other distinguished personalities at the high table included the President of Tiv Women in Diaspora (TWID), Mrs Nguumbur Abudar; Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), Hon. Dr. Iliyasu Maisanda; and the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, PhD.
The annual Tiv Day featured cultural activities and community engagement aimed at strengthening unity among Tiv people in the United Kingdom and promoting the preservation of Tiv language, culture, traditions and identity.
The event ended with renewed calls for unity among the Tiv people, stronger engagement between the diaspora and Benue State, and collective efforts to address the security, social and economic challenges confronting the people.
