Outrage In The East! Ohanaeze Blasts Senate Over Move To Elevate Ooni, Sultan

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly criticized a Senate bill seeking to officially designate the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as permanent Co-Chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze warned that the move is a clear marginalization of other ethnic groups and a violation of the principles of equity and fairness.

Describing the bill—which has already passed second reading—as discriminatory, ethnocentric, and unjust, the group expressed shock at the rationale behind it. It accused the Senate of displaying total disregard for fairness, justice, and the federal character principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Dr. Chukwu stated, “The Senate has failed in its responsibility as the nation’s top legislative body and guardian of Nigeria’s democratic values.”

He argued that the proposal falls short of the ethical and constitutional standards expected in a multi-ethnic and pluralistic nation like Nigeria.

“This bill is not only unfair and ethnically biased, it is also distasteful and unacceptable,” he added.

Ohanaeze called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill, warning that passing it could further undermine national unity and social cohesion.

“The bill lacks the ethical foundation, objective criteria, and impartial framework necessary for promoting national unity and justice in a diverse country,” Chukwu emphasized.

He urged the Senate to reconsider the bill, taking into account Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, cultural sensitivities, geopolitical balance, and the principles of inclusive governance.

“Only then can the bill serve as a tool for unity, peaceful coexistence, and national stability,” the statement concluded.

The bill in question proposes the permanent elevation of the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife as co-leaders of the traditional rulers’ council—a move that has drawn widespread criticism over concerns of ethnic favoritism and lack of national consensus.

While proponents argue the bill would provide continuity and structure for the council’s leadership, critics like Ohanaeze Ndigbo argue that it sidelines other prominent traditional rulers—particularly from the South-East, South-South, and Middle Belt regions—thereby fostering division rather than unity.