Tor Tiv, the Tiv people’s paramount ruler, has warned those who defame the Tiv people that they will have to prove in court the narrative that “Tiv people give their wives to visitors, friends or strangers.” He made this statement in response to recent allegations made by Venita Akpofure, a contestant on the Big Brother Naija Reality TV Show, that the Tiv people are involved in extra-marital-sexual activities.
Tor Tiv warned the general public that those spreading such falsehood should stop and be careful on how they go about defaming the Tiv people with these allegations. He also called on those who are making these accusations to come forward with evidence or to stop spreading false information.
The Tiv people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. They are known for their rich culture and traditions. However, in recent years, the Tiv people have been the target of attacks by other ethnic groups. These attacks have led to the displacement of millions of Tiv people and the death of many others. Speaking in his palace to clear the air on the issue, he said;
“My name is His Royal Majesty, Professor, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse I am the paramount ruler of the Tiv worldwide. The Tor Tiv and the custodian of the Tiv traditional culture so I want to speak from my position being a custodian.
The tradition of the culture of the culture of the people clearly means that I know about the traditional culture and I’m the first authorities when it comes the traditional culture of the Tiv people worldwide, This story about the Tiv man offering with his wife to a visitor to entertain the visitor has never been practiced in any part of this nation
“It’s a story that people have framed up at and imagined. The Tiv that I know growing on some people will even commit manslaughter if they get to know you are messing up with their wife secretly so Tiv-man is jealous and protects about his wife so that story is not true that story is a fabrication and anybody that wants to test that story you can come to Tiv-land and try it.
So it’s not just what people say and they can even construct a drama, let the individual come and say that on so-and-so day I visited a Tiv man, give the name of the person, give the name of the wife that was offered to him they would know he’s telling the truth. It has never happened and it will not happen. So it’s not part of Tiv tradition, it’s not part of Tiv culture, we have never practice it, and we never practiced. So if somebody makes a direct allegation and we can hold, he will have to prove it in court.”
The allegations that the Tiv people are involved in extra-marital sex activities are not true. However, they these allegations have become more common in recent years even though no one have ever proven that the Tiv people practice such behavior.
Also Read: Tor Tiv: King of The Strongest Tribe In Africa and Spiritual Guide of The People
Tor Tiv’s warning is a timely reminder that defamation is a serious crime. Those who make false accusations against others can be held accountable for their words. It is important to remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Meanwhile, a Nigerian lawmaker from Benue State who is also a of Tiv extraction is threatening to sue Big Brother Naija housemate Venita Akpofure and the show’s organizers for N10 billion for defamation. The lawsuit comes after Akpofure made a controversial statement on the show about Tiv men.
Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, a member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in Benue State, said Akpofure and Big Brother Naija should be sued for giving her “the mega platform to defame the Tiv tribe.”
Tarkighir’s threat comes after Akpofure said on the show that “Tiv men give their wives to visitors for entertainment purposes.” Her statement sparked outrage among the Tiv people of North Central, Nigeria, with many calling for legal action against her.
Venita Akpofure has two daughters with her former husband, Terna Tarka whom she divorced in 2019. Terna is a Tiv man from Benue State.
The Tiv people just like any other tribe should not be subjected to discrimination or social trolling based on false allegations. Tor Tiv’s warning is a step in the right direction towards protecting the rights of the Tiv people.
