The former palace was badly dilapidated beyond renovation (the Tor Tiv); rebuilt by Governor Samuel Ortom's administration, begun about five years earlier and completed in phases (phases two and three under Commissioner Ekpa Ogbu), funded by the state government and the 14 Tiv-speaking LGAs; Tiv colours black and white and Tiv cultural symbols built into the design; artifacts; visitors; Prof. James Ayatse the first occupant.