The move by the Nigerian Senate to elevate only the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife as permanent co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council has triggered strong resistance from Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
In a statement released on Sunday in Enugu, the socio-cultural group expressed outrage over the bill, which has already passed its second reading. They described it as unfair and dangerous to the spirit of unity in Nigeria.
Dr Ezechi Chukwu, who is the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said the bill is not just one-sided but also violates the principles of equity, justice and federal character enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. He argued that the legislation clearly favours two ethnic groups while pushing other traditional institutions to the sidelines.
Ohanaeze said it was shocked that the Senate could promote such an “imbalanced arrangement” in a diverse country like Nigeria. The group described the bill as harmful, discriminatory and unacceptable, warning that it could worsen divisions rather than encourage national unity.
They called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill and urged the Senate to take into account Nigeria’s ethnic and cultural diversity before making such a law. According to the group, no region should be made to feel less important in national decisions.
They added that respecting all regions equally is the only way to build peace, promote inclusion and protect the country’s fragile unity.
Ohanaeze believes that if the Senate truly represents all Nigerians, it must reconsider this bill and work on a fresh proposal that includes all major traditional rulers from every part of the country.
The group concluded that ignoring such basic fairness could lead to more feelings of marginalisation and resentment, especially from the South East and other underrepresented regions.
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