Bride Price now hundred thousand Naira in Tiv Land

On April 13, 2024, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse, issued an Ijir Tamen decree aimed at abolishing the burdensome aspects of bride price and other marriage customs prevalent among many Tiv families. Speaking at the Tiv Women Conference held in Gboko at that time, the Tor Tiv, as the custodian of Tiv culture, recognized the indispensable role of women in the home, emphasizing that without them, men would be at a loss. In light of this, he underscored the significance of marital affairs and rites, including the appropriate age for marriage, which he affirmed should be no less than 18 years for women.

In this context, HRM Professor James Ayatse also stressed the importance of respecting traditional marriage practices and discouraged actions such as elopement. He emphasized that until all marriage rites are duly completed, couples in courtship should refrain from cohabiting. The Tor Tiv also sought to highlight the essence of love in marriage, stating unequivocally, “Marriage is Love,” underscoring that the emphasis should be on the emotional connection rather than extravagant monetary aspects. He urged Tiv families to avoid excessive dowry lists that could give the impression of commodifying women.

To delve deeper into this matter, Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, enacted a decree under the Ijir Tamen, which aimed to restrict dowry payments and marriage lists to a maximum of one hundred thousand naira or less. It’s worth noting that the paramount ruler of the Tiv Kingdom had previously married off his daughter for just one thousand naira. Among his statements were:

1. The maximum amount for both the bride price and the marriage list should be one hundred thousand naira only.
2. Accompany a maximum of three elders to the residence of the prospective bride.
3. Traditional marriages will no longer be conducted in Tiv land, as they have never been a part of Tiv customs and traditions. The King views traditional marriage as an adopted practice that should be abolished. Henceforth, all celebrations will occur exclusively at the groom’s residence.

Despite the positive reception among some Tiv individuals, many took to social media to express their grievances, with some even citing the well-known Tiv proverb “Tor mar wan nam ga,” which translates to “The King did not bear for me a child.”