Tor Tiv, the 5th His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse,
over the weekend gave out his daughter, Dr Doofan Ayatse’s hand in
marriage to Dr David Tsenu Agishi of Etulo, Buruku local government all
of Benue state at just one thousand Naira (1000) as dowry.
Speaking at the traditional marriage in his palace, the
paramount ruler said his concern is for the peace, love and progress of
the couple but not the money hence according to him no amount of money
can buy his daughter in the name of dowry.
He further revealed that the #1000 dowry will soon become a law in Tiv land to enable even the poor to marry.
Recall that the wife of the Benue Governor, Mrs. Eunice
Ortom, earlier this year appealed Tov Tiv, for a review of high
bride-prices in Tiv land in order to enable young men get married when
due.
Mrs Ortom decried the high demands made on young men
seeking to marry Tiv daughters, and described the situation as “very
discouraging”.
“Such high demands discourage many bachelors from even
attempting to get married; the result is that many young girls cannot
find husbands,” she said, adding that such exorbitant charges were not
part of Tiv culture.
“Such charges are imported; our traditional rulers should discard them,’ she said.
While noting that bride-price payment was sacrosanct in
every marriage, she cautioned parents against selling their daughters
especially since the relationship between in-laws remains, long after
such marriage rites.
She highlighted that many young men now preferred to elope
with their loved ones owing to such huge monetary demands, and stressed
the need to make the process affordable so as to restore the sanctity of
the marriage institution.
