A former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi and also the pioneer and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Professor James Professor James Ortese Ayatse, has emerged as Tor Tiv (paramount traditional ruler) of Tiv land in Benue state.
This came as even President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated him for clinching the coveted traditional rulership, which he said was an affirmation of his strength of character, integrity, and moral authority.
The President, who commended the new ruler for being upright over the years as a lecturer, erudite scholar and administrator, advised his subjects to rally round the new monarch to make his reign as Tor Tiv the fifth, a resounding success.
Buhari asked the paramount ruler to use his revered office as a veritable platform for conflict prevention, peace building and development in the grassroots.
He commended the transparent process that led to the emergence of the royal father after the demise of his predecessor, Alfred Akawe Torkula, Tor Tiv IV, last year, even as he wished the new monarch well as he prepares to ascend the throne of his ancestors.
President Buhari gave assurance that his administration will continue to recognize traditional institutions as key partners in progress in finding lasting solutions to sensitive issues in the country. [myad]
