Tor Tiv rolls out historic Tiv reforms, ends lavish burials, grants women inheritance rights

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By Samuel Torlumun

In a sweeping shake-up of Tiv customs, the Tor Tiv V, Professor James Iorzua Ayatse, has announced bold reforms that will redefine burial rites, marriage practices, inheritance laws, and social conduct across Tiv land and in the diaspora.

The landmark resolutions were unveiled at the Ijir Tamen, the General Assembly of the Tiv Nation, attended by traditional rulers, elders, and representatives from Tiv communities worldwide. Observers describe the decisions as one of the most consequential cultural resets in recent Tiv history.

Central to the reforms is a strict three-day limit on burials, which must now remain private family affairs. Loud and elaborate ceremonies have been discouraged, and burial remembrance events have been completely banned on grounds of financial waste. In a notable shift, married women will no longer be obligated to contribute to burial expenses in their husbands’ families unless they do so voluntarily.

In what many have hailed as a groundbreaking move, Tiv women have been granted full inheritance rights. The Tor Tiv declared that these rights will be legally recognized and enforceable in courts, strengthening gender inclusion within the customary system and potentially reshaping property ownership traditions.

To curb excessive spending during marriages, the council imposed a ₦100,000 ceiling on traditional marriage items. Cake-cutting during traditional marriage rites has been banned, and “kwase kuhan” celebrations at the father-in-law’s residence have been discontinued. The assembly also issued a strict prohibition of domestic violence, applying equally to men and women.

While introducing progressive reforms in several areas, the Tor Tiv reaffirmed that the royal stool remains male-exclusive, stating that no amendment should be sought to alter the traditional position barring women from being crowned as kings in Tiv land.

The council further prohibited the consumption of ogogoro within Tiv Kingdom as part of efforts to promote discipline and social order.

In a move aimed at strengthening cultural identity and global engagement, the Tor Tiv announced the launch of Tiv Television, which will debut on Facebook with plans to expand into full broadcast operations. A women-focused financial contribution scheme known as BAM was also introduced to provide loans and drive economic empowerment initiatives.

Security issues affecting Tiv communities were discussed at the assembly, though specific details were not disclosed.

Declaring the resolutions binding on Tiv sons and daughters worldwide, the Tor Tiv signaled a decisive effort to balance tradition with modern realities, tightening discipline, easing financial pressures, advancing women’s rights, and reinforcing unity across Tiv land.