Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Senate Bill Naming Ooni and Sultan as Sole Traditional Council Co-Chairmen, Says Move Threatens National Unity

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Senate Bill Naming Ooni and Sultan as Sole Traditional Council Co-Chairmen, Says Move Threatens National Unity

By Akahi News – https://akahinews.org

The apex socio-cultural Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly condemned a controversial bill currently before the Nigerian Senate, which proposes to appoint the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive co-chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers. The group has described the legislative move as “discriminatory, inequitable, and harmful to Nigeria’s fragile unity.”

In a searing press release issued on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, expressed profound dismay at what he called an “asymmetric and ethnocentric” proposal. He accused the Senate of turning a blind eye to the principles of federal character, equity, and inclusivity as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.

“We are profoundly astounded by the rationale behind such an asymmetric bill by the Senate, with its utter disregard for fairness, equity, justice and the principle of federal character,” Chukwu stated.

Ohanaeze: A Dangerous Precedent for a Pluralistic Nation

According to Ohanaeze, the bill, if passed, would set a dangerous precedent that threatens to deepen regional divisions and alienate other major ethnic groups across the federation, particularly in the South-East and South-South. The group maintained that traditional leadership in Nigeria is deeply rooted in ethnic, cultural, and geopolitical identities, and as such, no singular region or traditional institution should be given undue primacy at the national level.

Describing the bill as “inequitable, ethnocentric and objectionable,” Chukwu argued that such a move amounts to legislative marginalisation, one that is distasteful and undermines the collective spirit of federalism.

“This bill is not only inequitable, discriminatory and ethnocentric; it is equally distasteful, reprehensible and objectionable. It lacks all the ethical considerations, objective metrics and unbiased categories for national unity and social justice,” he declared.

Call for Immediate Withdrawal and Rethinking of Legislative Priorities

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the sponsors and supporters of the bill to immediately withdraw it from the floor of the National Assembly. The group warned that continuing with such a legislative agenda could further polarise the country along ethnic lines and weaken the already fragile trust among Nigeria’s constituent ethnic groups.

Instead, the group advocated for a more inclusive and representative approach that reflects Nigeria’s complex ethno-cultural makeup.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, therefore, calls for the urgent withdrawal of the bill and the need to review it in consideration of ethnic differences, cultural sensitivity, geopolitical balance, inclusive governance and equitable representation,” Chukwu said.

Senate Accused of Failing in National Custodianship

In a scathing rebuke of the legislative body, Ohanaeze accused the Senate of abdicating its constitutional responsibility to act as the custodian of Nigeria’s democratic ideals. The group lamented that rather than prioritise laws that unify the nation and promote social cohesion, the upper chamber is now entertaining bills that entrench ethnic dominance and institutionalise marginalisation.

“The Senate, in this vein, has failed in its capacity as the highest legislative carrier and custodian of the nation’s democratic mandate,” the statement read.

A Matter of National Urgency

The organisation warned that should the bill advance further through the legislative process, it could trigger wider protests and political backlash across the country. Ohanaeze emphasised that such legislation would not only violate the federal spirit of Nigeria but also render the Traditional Rulers’ Council illegitimate in the eyes of many ethnic nationalities.

As tensions simmer, many political observers and stakeholders are closely watching how the National Assembly responds to this vocal opposition from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other concerned groups. The question now remains whether the Senate will revise or retreat from the proposed bill or push forward, risking greater national discord.

Stay informed with more updates on Nigeria’s political developments at Akahi News.