Two prominent socio-cultural organisations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), have strongly opposed a bill before the Nigerian Senate seeking to institutionalise the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife as permanent co-chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers.
In a statement released on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, described the proposed legislation as “inequitable, discriminatory, and a clear violation of the principle of federal character.” He warned that the bill, if passed, would sideline other revered traditional institutions across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and geopolitical spectrum.
“Ohanaeze is deeply astounded by the rationale behind this asymmetric bill, which shows utter disregard for fairness, justice, and the spirit of inclusion that a heterogeneous nation like Nigeria demands,” Chukwu said.
He criticised the Senate for what he termed a failure to protect the democratic mandate of the people, arguing that the proposed arrangement lacks ethical foundation, objective parameters, and national consensus.
“We urge the immediate withdrawal of this bill and a thorough review that considers Nigeria’s ethnic diversities, cultural sensitivities, and the need for balanced representation,” he added.
Echoing Ohanaeze’s stance, the Middle Belt Forum, in a separate statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, rejected what it described as an attempt to elevate the Sultan of Sokoto above other traditional rulers, particularly in regions with their own ancient monarchical heritage.
“The Sokoto Caliphate is historically a younger institution compared to age-old kingdoms like the Kwararafa, whose royal stool, the Aku of Wukari, predates it by centuries,” Binniyat stated.
He added that positioning the Sultan as a permanent co-chair of the council undermines the secular nature of the body, as the Sultan is predominantly a religious leader within the Islamic faith.
“This bill threatens national unity and risks alienating large segments of the population, especially Christian and traditional faith communities,” the MBF warned.
The group also vowed to mobilise other ethnic nationalities across the Middle Belt to boycott the Traditional Rulers Council should the Senate proceed with passing the bill.
Both organisations urged lawmakers to prioritise equity, inclusivity, and national cohesion, warning that any attempt to institutionalise hierarchy among traditional rulers without broad-based consensus would deepen divisions and provoke widespread resistance.
The bill, currently before the Senate, proposes to make the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife permanent co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council, a move its proponents argue would bring structure to the advisory body. However, critics see it as an affront to Nigeria’s cultural pluralism.
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