On August 11, 2023, Big Brother Naija All Stars housemate Venita Akpofure made a controversial comment about the Tiv people of Benue State. In a conversation with other housemates, she said that “Tiv men give their wives to visitors for entertainment purposes.”
Her comment sparked outrage among the Tiv people, and many people called for her to apologize. On August 12, 2023, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, issued a statement in which he warned Akpofure to retract her statement and apologize to the Tiv people, or face legal action.
Also Read: Tor Tiv Warns Against Defamation of Tiv People: “Prove It in Court or Face the Consequences”
On August 13, 2023, Akpofure released a statement apologizing to the Tiv people. She said that her statement was “misconstrued” and that she “never intended to make any kind of malicious or slanderous comment towards their people.”
In her apology, Akpofure said:
“The statement I made about Tiv people got twisted a bit. My daughters are actually Tiv. There’s no way I will be trying to make any kind of malicious or slanderous comment towards their people. Actually, in my season, we did a whole play around the Tor Tiv coronation, which I participated in and was super excited about.
“So, you know, sometimes you will say something, maybe it is a little bit carelessly. And I think it got really misconstrued. And for those that are offended by it, I’m regretful about that.”
Meanwhile, some Tiv people are taking to social media to accept Akpofure’s apology. In a statement released on August 14, 2023, by Tiza Joseph, a tech entrepreneur and media consultant based in Lagos, who is also a Tiv man, debunks Venita’s claims, saying:
“It is sad how people feel comfortable spreading falsehoods and disinformation about a tribe that does not joke with its women, whether they be wives or daughters. This act of duplicity about the Tiv people is unacceptable and must stop.”
“We have tolerated it for too long, and a lie told for too long becomes a truth. We are not willing to allow liars to go with such falsity without consequence. Our father the Tor Tiv has warned, and if anyone thinks it is a joke, let him or her make claims publicly.”
“It is good to know that Venita Akpofure has apologized for her insensitive remarks, which shows that she never had any proof to back up her claims, just like anyone else who has ever made such comments.”
Tiza also said that he hoped that Akpofure’s apology would “serve as a lesson to others who may be tempted to make similar remarks about the Tiv people or any other ethnic group.”
Akpofure’s apology is a welcome step forward. It is important to remember that words can have a powerful impact, and we should all be mindful of the language we use, especially when talking about other people’s cultures.
