Tiv socio-cultural group takes traditional council to court over stereotyping

Mdzough u Tiv (MUT), the foremost socio-cultural organization representing the Tiv people globally, has filed a legal case against the Tiv Area Traditional Council. The case, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese in High Court 1, Makurdi, addresses the continued misrepresentation and stereotyping of Tiv culture.

MUT’s primary grievance pertains to the longstanding stereotype that suggests Tiv people offer their wives to visitors for the purpose of sleeping with them as a gesture of hospitality. Counsel to the plaintiffs, Sebastian Hon, SAN, spoke to journalists following the court session and revealed that among the reliefs sought by MUT is a legal declaration affirming that such a custom is neither native to Tivland nor has ever existed there.

Hon, the legal expert, emphasized that in response to the damaging and ongoing stereotyping that has inflicted ridicule and emotional distress on the Tiv community, MUT felt compelled to take legal action against the Tiv Area Traditional Council. The council’s perceived inaction regarding these negative stereotypes was a key factor in the decision to file the lawsuit.

In response to the allegations, Edward Ashiekaa, SAN, who represents the defendant, stated unequivocally that the claim suggesting that Tiv people entertain visitors with their wives is entirely false. He emphasized that the Tiv Traditional Council is not disputing the case but rather affirming that they are taking necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such allegations in the future.

Justice Ikpambese, presiding over the case, has scheduled a further hearing for November 24, 2023, as the legal proceedings continue.