By Terngu Sylvanus Nomishan
Your Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Iorzua Ayatse,
I humbly pen this heartfelt open letter, a solemn cry born from a place of profound distress and sorrow. If I am to title my Open Letter, it would be “The Swem Traditional Justice of the Tiv, the Failing Traditional and Political Leadership in Tivland, and the Acceptance of Foreign Slavery in the Face of Disintegrating Tiv Society.
My spirit is weighed down by the heavy burden of tribulation, and I find myself wrestling with an overwhelming sense of agony that compels me to reach out to you both in this moment of dire need. With deep concern and a pressing sense of urgency, I bring to your attention the alarming decline of traditional leadership in Tivland, a decline that threatens the very foundation of our cultural heritage. I lament the neglect of Swem, the esteemed justice-seeking institution that has long stood as a beacon of hope and fairness for our people. In these troubling times, the encroaching shadow of foreign dominance seeks to subjugate the Tiv people, reducing our once vibrant and autonomous society into a state of unwelcome servitude. As the appointed guardians of our rich heritage, welfare, and destiny, it is imperative that you both take decisive and impactful action to restore the dignity and stability of our beloved homeland. The time for change is now, and the future of the Tiv people rests in your capable hands.
Prof James Ayatse, the incumbent Tor Tiv
The Tiv people, a community whose rich history is steeped in resilience and determination, trace their origins back to the ancient Bantu migrations. According to our vibrant oral traditions, our ancestors embarked on a formidable journey from the lush southeastern regions of Africa, traversing the verdant landscapes of what is now Cameroon, before ultimately settling in the expansive and fertile Middle Benue Valley. Renowned for their communal living, exceptional military prowess, and steadfast commitment to justice, our forebears faced numerous challenges along the way. This arduous migration was not merely a quest for survival; it was a profound stepping stone in the expansion and fortification of the Tiv nation.
Upon their arrival in the Middle Benue Valley, our ancestors encountered diverse groups already inhabiting the bountiful lands. However, with their superior traditional warfare strategies, unparalleled bravery, and a remarkable sense of tactical unity, the Tiv people successfully carved out their rightful place in the region. This conquest extended beyond mere territorial gain; it was a noble endeavour to forge a society firmly rooted in Tiv values, fairness, truth, and justice. Their military strength was intricately intertwined with social structures that prioritized equity, communal progress, and the celebration of shared achievements, setting the stage for a thriving Tiv civilization.
The arrival of colonial rule heralded the onset of a profound cultural erosion among the Tiv people. The British, in their relentless pursuit of control over the region, systematically undermined the traditional institutions that had long sustained the Tiv way of life. They imposed a Western-style governance model that felt utterly foreign and perplexing to our communities. The Tiv, who had flourished under a system of self-governance founded on principles of justice and collective leadership, found themselves ensnared in an alien framework that prioritized individual ambition over the well-being of the community. Tragically, even the educated Tiv elites were led to perceive their rich heritage as inferior, which only served to deepen the disorientation and disillusionment of our people as they grappled with the loss of their cultural identity.
The establishment of the Tor Tiv stool was a pivotal initiative aimed at uniting the Tiv people, fostering a collective identity, and preserving their rich cultural heritage while ensuring justice. Historically, the Tor Tiv stood as a guardian of Tiv customs and traditions, a revered mediator in disputes, and a steadfast protector of the Tiv nation. Under visionary leadership, the successive Tor Tiv were able to play a crucial role in safeguarding the vibrant tapestry of Tiv traditions, administering justice through the sacred institution of Swem, and nurturing a sense of communal unity and identity. However, in recent years, this ancient-honoured institution of the Tor Tiv has come under increasing scrutiny, facing accusations of political compromises and failing to uphold the very principles upon which it was founded.
Swem, a revered and sacred institution among the Tiv people, has historically served as a vital mechanism for conflict resolution and the upholding of norms and values. Acting as a divine adjudicator, Swem provides a solemn platform where individuals can swear oaths that affirm their innocence or confess their guilt, thereby sealing their fate in the eyes of the community. This institution goes beyond mere ritual; it embodies a profound moral force that reinforces the ethical framework of Tiv society, ensuring that every act of injustice is met with consequences and accountability.
Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, the priest-governor of Benue State
However, in recent times, the influence of Swem has waned, creating a noticeable void in the administration of justice within the Tiv nation. This decline has been accompanied by allegations regarding its ineffectiveness in delivering justice to specific individuals and communities, raising legitimate concerns that cannot be overlooked. Yet, it is crucial to recognize that such critiques, while valid, do not warrant the dismantling of an institution that has been integral to the cultural identity of the Tiv. Just as Christianity, despite its shortcomings, has provided solace and hope to countless others, so too has Swem touched the lives of many. As stated in the Bible, “God shows kindness to those He chooses to show kindness” (Romans 9:15-18), a reminder that systems of belief and justice are often complex and multifaceted.
The introduction of Christianity, despite its profound spiritual significance, occurred in Tivland in a manner that often-undermined traditional values and practices. Missionaries arrived with a fervent zeal that resulted in the condemnation of Swem and other Indigenous customs, labelling them as “pagan” and “evil.” This characterization led to a gradual abandonment of the Tiv’s ancient-honoured traditions of justice-seeking. Although Christianity brought education and introduced certain moral teachings, it also inadvertently stripped the Tiv people of their Indigenous institutions, which had meticulously maintained societal equilibrium for generations, leaving a lasting impact on their cultural landscape.
It is crucial to draw a clear distinction between religion and tradition, as they serve different yet important roles in society. Religion centres on the quest for spiritual salvation, providing individuals with a sense of purpose and connection to the divine authority. In contrast, tradition encompasses the customs, practices, and values that ensure societal harmony and promote justice within a community. For the Tiv people, it is imperative to recognize that these two aspects need not be viewed in opposition; rather, they can complement one another to enrich the Tiv society.
A robust and resilient community must harmoniously weave its rich cultural heritage with contemporary religious beliefs, forging a path that preserves its unique identity. When this balance is disrupted, we witness the disarray and leadership failures that have become all too evident in recent times.
With the erosion of the Swem authority, traditional rulers have tragically lost their moral compass and influence. Many find themselves embroiled in accusations of corruption and forging political alliances that betray the best interests of the Tiv people. Moreover, grave concerns emerge regarding the complicity of some traditional rulers in the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts, with reports suggesting that they may be prioritizing external interests over the welfare of the entire Tiv nation. If these allegations hold any truth, they represent a profound betrayal of the Tiv nation, instigating a serious internal crisis demanding immediate attention and resolution.
Tiv communities straddling the borders of Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi and Cameroon are enduring horrific massacres inflicted by relentless armed groups. Entire villages have been devastated, their lifeblood of farmlands seized, leaving thousands displaced and in despair. The absence of a firm and decisive response from the Tiv Area Traditional Council as well as the political leadership in Tivland has tragically left our people vulnerable and exposed. The Tiv nation, renowned for its strength and resilience, cannot afford to remain passive while its citizens are being mercilessly slaughtered.
Your Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, it is imperative that you take a bold and unwavering stand to invoke Tiv justice in order to confront these grievous issues. The tradition of Swem must be revived as a vital means of pursuing truth and accountability within our communities. Our traditional leaders must be held to the highest standards of integrity, ensuring they genuinely serve the interests of the people rather than succumbing to external pressures.
Moreover, the Tiv leadership must forge a robust alliance with the Benue State Government to fortify Tivland and restore its dignity. The stakes have never been higher as Tivland stands at a crucial crossroads. The erosion of our rich traditions, the compromising of our leadership structures and the relentless assault on our people demand immediate and decisive action.
It is time to reclaim our heritage, reawaken the justice-seeking spirit of Swem, and defend the integrity of the Tiv nation. I implore you to rise to this monumental challenge, not merely as individuals occupying offices, but as the true custodians of the Tiv nation and their illustrious heritage.
May your leadership herald a new dawn for the Tiv nation, filled with hope, strength and resilience.
Yours faithfully,
Terngu Sylvanus Nomishan
The author, a lecturer at the Federal University, Lokoja is reachable via nomishants@gmail.com
