The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) have vehemently opposed a bill currently before the Senate that seeks to permanently designate the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive co-chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers.

 

In a strongly worded statement, the spokesperson of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ezechi Chukwu, described the bill as biased and unjust, warning that it would marginalize apex traditional rulers from other ethnic and geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

 

Chukwu criticized the Senate for what he called an “asymmetric and ethnocentric” proposal that disregards the constitutional principles of fairness, equity, and federal character. “This bill is inequitable, discriminatory, and distasteful. It lacks ethical considerations and ignores objective criteria for fostering national unity in a diverse country like Nigeria,” he stated.

 

Ohanaeze called for the immediate withdrawal and review of the bill, urging lawmakers to consider ethnic diversity, cultural sensitivities, geopolitical balance, and inclusive governance. According to the group, only a more equitable approach can promote national unity, peaceful coexistence, and social harmony.

 

Similarly, the Middle Belt Forum condemned the bill, accusing the Senate of attempting to institutionalize ethnic dominance by elevating the Sultan of Sokoto to a permanent leadership role in the traditional rulers’ council.

 

The MBF’s national spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, argued that the Sokoto Caliphate is relatively young compared to ancient traditional institutions in the Middle Belt, such as the Kwararafa Kingdom. He insisted that the Sultan, being primarily a religious leader, should not preside over secular traditional rulers like the Aku Uka of Wukari.

 

Binniyat warned that giving the Sultan a permanent co-chairmanship risks alienating Christian and traditional faith communities. He threatened that if the Senate proceeds with the bill, the Middle Belt region would mobilize to boycott the council’s activities entirely.

 

Both regional groups are demanding a fair and inclusive legislative approach to traditional leadership, stressing that no ethnic or religious group should be placed above others in a pluralistic society.