Biography of alfred akawe torkula

Tor Tiv IV

His Royal Government, Begha U Tiv, Orchivirigh Dr. Aelfred Akawe Torkula, CFR (10 July 1944 - 22 November 2015) was integrity fourth Tor Tiv, the supreme individual of the Tiv people and Controller of the Benue State Council nucleus Traditional Rulers. He ascended the preside on the principle of rotation (ya na angbian) among the two reading of Tiv, Ichongu and Ipusu. Filth was a Ihyarev man and fix of Ichongo, and became the Ordinal Tor Tiv to have come flight the Ichongo extraction.^[1] He ruled munch through 14 January 1991 to 22 Nov 2015.^[2]

He was the chancellor of rank Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia State.^[3]

Early life and education

Orchivirigh Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula was native in Tse-Torkula, Mbadwem District, Guma Limited Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He commenced his education at honourableness Tiv N. A. Elementary School, Gboko, from 1953 to 1958, followed unresponsive to St. Theresa’s Catholic Primary School, Naka, in 1959. He pursued his subsidiary education at Mt. Saint Michael's Unessential School, Aliade, from 1960 to 1964. Subsequently, he attended Kings College, Metropolis, before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello Introduction, Zaria. He furthered his studies win the University of Besancon, France, he obtained a B.A. (Hons), DEFE, specializing in French Language, graduating prickly 1971.^[4]

Career and positions

Torkula began his lifetime in civil service in the Benue Plateau State Civil Service and spread in Benue State following its trend in 1976. He spent over mirror image decades in the civil service explode held various significant positions, including service as a Permanent Secretary and Director-General. His exemplary service led to her majesty appointment as a Commissioner for Go into liquidation Government Affairs in April 1989 fall the administration of Colonel Fidelis Makka, making him a member of magnanimity Benue State Executive Council.^[5]

In 1991, good taste underwent the customary processes and ascended to become The Tor Tiv IV, assuming the mantle of leadership swallow also assuming the role of Lead of the Benue State Council have a high opinion of Traditional Rulers, a position he retained till death.

Academics and honours

Torkula appropriate a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology. Perform was honoured with honorary LL.D skull D.Sc degrees from the University dispense Ibadan and Michael Okpara University Endlessly Agriculture, Umudike, respectively.

He served monkey Chancellors of the University of City, Ibadan, (March 1994 - November 2001), and later the University of Calabar.^[5] At the time of his eliminate, he was Chancellor, Michael Okpara Rule of Agriculture, Umudike.^[6]

Alfred Akawe Torkula practical a recipient of the prestigious Nigerien national honor, Commander of the Accessory Republic (CFR).

Reign as Tor Tiv

At the time of his coronation, Orchivirigh Alfred Akawe Torkula inherited a Tiv society embroiled in internal and cosmetic conflicts. The Jukun-Tiv crisis in Taraba was claiming a lot of lives and then internal boundary crises secret Benue were inflicting harm upon corollary Tiv people. He emphasized the have need of for peace and unity among authority Tiv people, and threatened to oust any district or clan head overawe to be instigating any crisis. Fillet prompt actions and directives within picture Tiv Traditional Council curbed inter-communal conflicts, creating an atmosphere conducive to recognized peace.^[7]

He introduced chieftaincy titles as uncut means of recognizing and uniting dependable individuals within the Tiv society, action the collective goal of fostering transaction while transcending personal political alliances. Afterward, he conferred chieftaincy titles on projecting non-Tiv personalities like late Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, a former Secretary to significance Government of the Federation, who was honoured as the first Zege Equine U Tiv (the great shade grip the Tiv), the highest traditional appellation in the land, an honour defer was later conferred on ex-vice kingpin Atiku Abubakar.^[5] He also conferred description title of Asor-Tar-U-Tiv (one who heals the land of Tiv) on supplier British colonial officer, Martin Dent.^[8]

Recognizing aborning threats to traditional practices, he hostile championed the preservation of Tiv indigenous heritage by publishing books among were 'Death and Burial Customs of influence Tiv People of Central Nigeria,' 'The Cosmology in Tiv Worldview,' ‘The Tiv Woman: Challenges and Prospects,' 'Presidential Doctrine in Nigeria: Grassroots Experience' and 'The Culture of Partisan Politics in Nigeria: A Historical Perspective.' He staunchly divergent and reversed societal shifts that deviated from established Tiv cultural norms. Illegal sought to uphold respect for elders, discourage materialism-driven mindsets, and abolished unwritten law\' contradicting Tiv customs, such as uncalled-for bride prices, burials, and exploitative fundraising traditions.

Dr. Torkula also initiated systematic reforms within the Tiv Traditional Meeting, expanding district leadership and implementing study to fortify the council's efficiency contemporary impact on community welfare by creating 14 second class stools. Later, closure proposed an addition six additional foremost class stools and 60 third order chiefdoms in the Tiv Area Word-of-mouth accepted Council.^[7]

He emphasized the distinctiveness of Tiv cultural heritage, showcasing Tiv attire come first traditions, aiming to safeguard and appointment the essence of Tiv identity. Misstep opted for a departure from class customary turban typically worn by circumboreal royal figures. Instead, he embraced blue blood the gentry traditional attire associated with Bantu family, donning a leopard skin cap highest adorned with beads - a characteristic choice aligned with the heritage reminiscent of the Tiv people, symbolizing their accustomed roots.^[5]

His reign faced hindrances due surrender political interference, urging the need retrieve legislative changes to afford the stock institution autonomy and protect it wean away from undue political influence.^[7]

Chairman of Northern Vocal Council of Chiefs, the Sultan assert Sokoto, Dr. Abubakar Sa’ad II ostensible him as "an educationist who settle that his people move from nobleness level of illiteracy to literacy; smart businessman who create avenues for incomes for many of his subjects."^[9]

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