The hardworking Tiv people, known as Tiv (TIIV) in Nigeria’s middle belt region, have a long history dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. It is thought that they moved to their current site from the Congo basin via the Cameroon Mountains. Although there were sporadic conflicts throughout their shared history, the Jukun and Idoma lived in harmony with the early Tiv settlers. The Tiv people have a legend about a common ancestor named Tiv who had two sons, Chongo and Pusu.
All Tivs trace their ancestry back to these familial origins, which are the central figures in the Tiv tradition. In the past, TV communities flourished in places without a centralized government, where farming and hunting constituted their way of life. However, the introduction of colonialists in the 20th century brought about change.
To bring Tiv communities together and make their administration easier, the Tor Tiv stool was created in 1946. The Tiv Traditional Council is headed by the Tor Tiv, also referred to as Begha U Tiv or the Lion of Tiv People, and they are from Gboko, Benue state. There have been five Tor Tiv since its founding.
Gondo Aluor, Tor Tiv Il, as seen in 1958. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse is the Tor Tiv V currently holding office, carrying on the Tiv people’s tradition of unity and leadership.
