Mzough U Tiv sues Tiv Traditional Council over cultural misbelief

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Incorporated Trustees of Mzough U Tiv, an umbrela body for Tiv nation worldwide has instituted a suit against the Tiv Area Traditional Council TATC over alleged cultural practice by the Tiv tribe.
The allegation borders on claims that the Tiv man entertains his stranger with his wife.
Lead counsel to Mzough U Tiv Sabastine Hon explained that the cause of action is that the umbrella body of the entire Tiv race has dragged the Tiv traditional council to Court to have a determination on whether the Tiv person gives his wife out for pleasure.
He lamented that matter has been raging on for long and hence, the need to have a permanent solution to it.
Hon. also said they have lined up our witnesses who are well versed in Tiv tradition and culture, positing that if anyone has anything to the contrary, this is the time for him to come.
“There can’t be collective defamation because we don’t have a cause of action to say that your tribe has been defamed. If we have a determination now, then someday, trace any tiv man character anywhere, this judgement will be binding on him worldwide and it can be used to sue individuals.
“This why we are in court because as a tribe, we have been traumatized. We had expected the Tiv Traditional Council to have taken action since but they deterred and refused to take action so we are here to enforce our rights as a tribe and nation
“Our prayers for the court to make a declaration that no such custom exist in Tiv land and an order of permanent injunction to restraining the Tiv Traditional Council from sitting just aloof. We are hoping to get judgement and we are praying to get judgement”, the learned silk said.
Counsel to the Defendant(Tiv Area Traditional Council), Edward Ashiekaa SAN said the allegation that Tiv people give out their wives to strangers is completey false.
He said, “when this allegation came up, there were alot of complaints from well meaning Tiv sons globally and nationally as to what was happening.
“The Tiv traditional Council was about taking a decision as to the way forward to debunk this allegation when suddenly we were served with the writ of summon to come and defend this.
“Our defense is very simple, we are asked to do something about it. The traditional council is ready to take a decisoon on this so that whatever resolution is taken will stand as notice to all. We are not defending the character of the falsehood of this allegation but what we are coming to court to say it that, the traditional council is aware of this allegation and is taking every step to ensure that is not repeated at any other time in future”.
During the mention of the matter, Sabatine Hon, SAN for the plaintiff acknowledged that the defendant served him with statement of defense which he has perused and will apply for substantive hearing of the matter because of the issue involved and the zeal in the issue.
While the defense counsel E. Ashiekaa, SAN confirmed that the defendant have filed service of defense.