Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly condemned a Senate bill proposing the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as permanent Co-Chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, labeling it as unjust and exclusionary. In a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu, the Igbo socio-cultural organization warned that the bill marginalizes apex traditional rulers from other ethnic groups and geopolitical zones, undermining Nigeria’s diversity.
Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, criticized the bill as “inequitable, discriminatory, and ethnocentric,” arguing it violates the principles of fairness, equity, and federal character enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. “The Senate has failed as the custodian of the nation’s democratic mandate,” Chukwu stated, describing the bill as “distasteful, reprehensible, and objectionable.” He emphasized that it disregards ethnic differences, cultural sensitivity, and the need for inclusive governance.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the bill has passed its second reading in the Senate, sparking tensions among various ethnic and regional groups. Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the Senate to withdraw the bill and revise it to reflect geopolitical balance and equitable representation. “Only through such measures can the bill foster national unity, peaceful coexistence, and social stability,” Chukwu added.
The organization’s rejection of the bill highlights ongoing concerns about representation and inclusivity in Nigeria’s governance structures, with calls for a more balanced approach to traditional leadership roles.
