In a remarkable display of love and admiration, Tiv sons from across Nigeria and the diaspora joined together to celebrate the birthday of their esteemed paramount king, Tor Tiv V, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse. Born on May 12, 1956, Tor Tiv V hails from the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State in central Nigeria. He holds the position of the paramount ruler/king of the Tiv Nation and serves as the president of the Tiv Area Traditional Council and the chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs.
The occasion of Tor Tiv V’s birthday was marked by an outpouring of heartfelt wishes and tributes from Tiv sons living in Nigeria as well as those scattered across the globe. Tiv communities in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, London, New York, and Johannesburg organized various events and activities to honor their revered king.
Iyange imar i doo Begha u Tiv✅ pic.twitter.com/TtJ11fhLjD
— Kyegh Sha Shwa (@KSSFestival) May 12, 2023
Tor Tiv V’s journey to becoming a paramount ruler is rooted in his impressive academic background. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the vice chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he made significant contributions to the growth and development of higher education in Nigeria. His remarkable leadership qualities also led to his appointment as the pioneer vice chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma.
Taking over the mantle from his predecessor, Alfred Akawe Torkula (Tor Tiv IV), who reigned from 1991 until his passing on November 22, 2015, Tor Tiv V has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the welfare and progress of the Tiv people. He has been a strong advocate for peace, unity, and development in Benue State and beyond.
The Tiv community attributes Tor Tiv V’s success and impact to his humility, wisdom, and commitment to serving his people. Under his reign, efforts have been made to address longstanding challenges faced by the Tiv Nation, such as conflicts over land and natural resources. Tor Tiv V has actively engaged with government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions that promote peace and harmony.
Twitter User Urges Tor Tiv V to Embrace Ancestral Heritage
A Twitter user with the handle @bashukusa1 has sparked a thought-provoking conversation by expressing a wish that the paramount King, Tor Tiv V, could learn from the example set by King Charles III, emphasizing the importance of embracing ancestral heritage.
@bashukusa1’s comment came in the midst of widespread celebrations for Tor Tiv V’s birthday, as Tiv sons and daughters both in Nigeria and across the diaspora expressed their heartfelt wishes for their revered king. However, this particular Twitter user seemed to suggest that there may be room for Tor Tiv V to further connect with and acknowledge the ancestral heritage of the Tiv people.
Drawing a parallel with King Charles III, @bashukusa1 hinted at the belief that disregarding or neglecting one’s ancestral heritage is an impossibility. The statement implies that embracing and preserving cultural traditions and customs is essential for a monarch, as it forms an integral part of their identity and the identity of the people they represent.

While @bashukusa1’s tweet has sparked discussion, it is important to note that Tor Tiv V has already been widely recognized for his commitment to the Tiv Nation and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of his subjects. As the paramount ruler, he has championed peace, unity, and development within the Tiv community and Benue State as a whole.
Tor Tiv V’s leadership has involved engaging with government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the Tiv people. While the specifics of @bashukusa1’s comment are unclear, it can be interpreted as a call for Tor Tiv V to continue fostering cultural pride and heritage among his subjects.
The Tiv people, known for their rich cultural heritage, have a long history that includes unique traditions, customs, and values. Recognizing and celebrating these aspects can contribute to the preservation of the Tiv identity and foster a sense of belonging and unity among the community.
It remains to be seen how Tor Tiv V will respond to this comment and whether he will take any additional steps to strengthen the connection between the Tiv people and their ancestral heritage. However, it is evident that the conversation sparked by @bashukusa1’s tweet reflects the passion and concern of some members of the Tiv community regarding the preservation of their cultural identity.
As Tor Tiv V continues to lead the Tiv Nation, it is essential to strike a delicate balance between preserving ancestral heritage and embracing modernity. By doing so, the paramount King can ensure that the Tiv people maintain a strong sense of cultural pride while embracing progress and development in an ever-evolving world.
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