Tor Tiv the 5th Successfully Coronated

The Tiv Nation remains an ethno-linguistic group and fourth largest tribe in the Federation. The Tiv Nation, over the years, has played a key role in the political, social, and economic affairs of our dear country.

Prof. Ayatse’s  victory was accepted by the entire Tiv Nation without demur.

As he braces up to assume the exalted office of Tor Tiv The Fifth today, Prof. Ayatse would be expected to draw on the boundless fund of goodwill that greeted his victory to tackle some of the challenges facing the Tiv Nation today, including the need to accelerate the resurgence of the Tiv Nation’s presence on the Nigerian scene; and also to work towards resuscitating the faltering ancestral friendly ties with our brothers and sisters in the Northern parts of the country.

The coronation was in grand style and successful as all hands were on deck to give it the aura needed. 

The event had in attendance top dignitaries from the Nation, including Audu Ogbe (representing the Ag. President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo), OCHI'IDOMA His Royal Highness-Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, Former Vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar (Zege Mule U Tiv), APC National Chairman John Oyegun, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Senator Bukola Saraki, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Governor Yari Abdulaziz, Governor Samuel Ortom, Senator George Akume, etc.

In response through goodwill message to Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, these few excerpts from leaders in all spheres of life flowed in:

“For me, it reminds me of what Matthew Luther King (Dr. King Jnr) used to say; that it is midnight. You talked about despondency, moral decadence, fallen standard of education, challenges relating to our citizens living in peace and going about their normal businesses. “

He went ahead to appreciate the commitment that Prof. Ayatse has espoused, that his reign will be devoted in tackling these challenges. 

He said that drawing from the biography of Prof. Ayatse, he has no doubt that the leader has received the training necessary for him to occupy this office, to really face these challenges and conquer them. Leaders are cultural architects (they create or mold the environment in which the individuals thrive and flourish), same will be the destiny of the Tiv Nation under the reign of Prof. James Ayatse.

The words above were from distinguished Hon. Yakubu Dogara (Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives during the coronation ceremony of Tor Tiv the Fifth).

The Senate President (Senator Bukola Saraki) was not left out as he aired his goodwill message to the leader:

He said:

“I am sure every Nigeria is proud to say; this is the caliber of Tor Tiv that we have here in Benue State, in Nigeria.” 

He congratulated the Governor (Dr. Samuel Ortom) for accepting the choice of the kingmakers because that also is a landmine that sometimes, tips people up on the way.

“I assure you and assure the entire Tiv Kingdom; that those of us in the Senate and National Assembly, we’ve heard your cries today, we’ve heard your concern. We want to reassure you that you have our support because our presence here speaks volume.”

 “A country that is based on diversification of Agriculture, Tiv people have key to the Nigeria project. Be rest assured that we will do our best to make this country peaceful, to bring prosperity, to bring unity and to ensure the development of this great nation.”