The Tiv people worldwide, represented by the apex socio-cultural organisation Mdzough u Tiv (MUT), have taken the Tiv Area Traditional Council to court in a bid to address a long-standing issue of cultural misrepresentation.
The case was heard by Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, at High Court 1, Makurdi, yesterday.
The MUT’s grievance stems from the prevalent stereotype that Tiv people offer their wives to sleep with visitors as a form of hospitality.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Sebastian Hon, SAN, the plaintiffs’ counsel, shared that the MUT is seeking, among other remedies, a legal declaration that this custom is non-existent and alien to Tivland.
Hon emphasized that in light of the ridicule and psychological trauma suffered by the Tiv people due to this demeaning stereotype, the MUT had no choice but to take legal action against the Tiv Area Traditional Council, which had remained passive in addressing the issue for an extended period of time.
Responding to the allegations, Edward Ashiekaa (SAN), counsel for the defendant, stated unequivocally that the claim that Tiv people entertain visitors with their wives is entirely false.
He clarified, “The Tiv Traditional Council is not here to defend, but we want to inform the court that the traditional council is fully aware of this allegation and is taking active measures to ensure that it is never propagated in the future.”
Justice Ikpambese adjourned the case to November 24, 2023 for further hearing.
