The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly condemned a controversial bill currently before the Nigerian Senate that seeks to permanently establish the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as exclusive co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.
In a press statement issued by the group's publicity secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze described the proposed legislation as discriminatory against traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical zones across Nigeria.
"The Senate in this vein has failed in its capacity as the highest legislative carrier and custodian of the nation's democratic mandate. This bill is not only inequitable, discriminatory and ethnocentric, it is equally distasteful, reprehensible and objectionable," Chukwu stated.
The socio-cultural organization expressed astonishment at the rationale behind what it termed an "asymmetric bill," arguing that it demonstrates utter disregard for fairness, equity, justice, and the principle of federal character enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
Ohanaeze further criticized the bill for lacking ethical considerations, objective metrics, and unbiased criteria necessary for fostering national unity and social justice in Nigeria's diverse ethnic landscape. The group has called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill and a comprehensive review that would consider ethnic differences, cultural sensitivity, geopolitical balance, and equitable representation.
Middle Belt Forum Joins Opposition
Similarly, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has voiced firm opposition to the proposed legislation, particularly objecting to the institutionalization of the Sultan of Sokoto as a permanent co-chairman of the council.
Speaking through its national spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, the MBF argued that the Sokoto Caliphate is relatively young compared to ancient kingdoms and confederacies in the Middle Belt region, specifically citing the Kwararafa ancient royal stool as an example of older traditional institutions.
"There is no way the Sultan of Sokoto can supersede the Aku of Wukari in status, let alone sit over him in the council," the group contended, adding that the Sultan primarily serves as a religious figurehead rather than a secular traditional ruler.
The MBF warned that granting the Sultan a permanent position would alienate Christians and traditional worshippers. The group has threatened to mobilize all ethnic nationalities across the Middle Belt to boycott participation in the council if the Senate proceeds to pass the bill into law.
The controversial bill continues to generate significant debate across Nigeria's geopolitical zones, raising questions about equitable representation in traditional institutions and the potential implications for national unity.
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