Tor Tiv, Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
The paramount ruler of the Tiv kingdom the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has decried the frequent death of traditional rulers in Tiv nation.
Tor Tiv said this on Wednesday during the interment of the Tor Jechira, Chief Clement Uganden.
The Tor Tiv who was represented at the burial of Tor Jechira by HRH, Chief Ambrose Iortyer, decried the untimely death of Tor Jechira even as several other traditional rulers have also died within few months.
The paramount ruler also decried the disunity in Tiv land and called on the Tiv people to embrace peace and work together for the progress of the Tiv nation.
He appreciated the governor for purposeful leadership in the state and appealed for sustenance so as to endear himself to the people of the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Dennis Akura in his comment described the late Tor Jechira as a man of peace.
Dr Akura who opined that the next Tor Jechira should emulate the virtues that Chief Uganden left behind, also appealed to traditional rulers to assist in mobilising their subjects to do everything possible to assist the state government in the fight against insecurity in the state.
Also commenting, the President of Kunav United Development Association (KUDA), Deacon Tor Yaji noted that the late Tor Jechira was a man of peace who encouraged his subjects to take their destiny into their hands, hence the election of governor Hyacinth Alia as governor of Benue State from Jechira block.
The president General of Mdzough -U- Tiv, Controller of Prisons Iorbee Ihyagh retired who also spoke lamented the death of the traditional ruler and appreciated Governor Alia for the people oriented projects he was executing in the state.
He also appealed to the Tiv people to embrace peace and unity as he emphasised that unity was paramount for development in Tiv land.
Earlier in a welcome speech, the Acting Tor Jechira and Ter Kunav, Chief Nyiyongu Achiaku informed that the late Clement Uganden was development minded even as he had the interest to move Jechira land forward.
He equally decried the untimely death of the traditional ruler and appreciated all for the sustained peace in Kunav and Jechira land and appealed for its sustenance.
The monarch also warned the people of the area against involving themselves in political violence for development to thrive.
