Ohanaeze Opposes Senate Plan To Name Sultan And Ooni Permanent Chairs

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected a bill currently before the Nigerian Senate that proposes to name the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife as permanent co-chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers.

The group says the bill is unfair and undermines the cultural diversity of Nigeria.

The bill, which has already passed its second reading, is generating strong reactions across the country. Many ethnic groups are raising concerns that it gives special status to two traditional rulers while ignoring others of equal standing in different regions. Ohanaeze believes the proposed law threatens the unity of the country by creating a hierarchy that does not reflect Nigeria’s plural nature.

In a statement released in Enugu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said the bill violates the principles of fairness, balance, and federal character as outlined in the Constitution. He warned that such a move could damage national harmony and deepen mistrust among various ethnic and cultural groups.

Ohanaeze questioned the logic behind giving permanent leadership roles to only two monarchs, arguing that this strips other regions of equal recognition. The group sees the bill as discriminatory and one-sided, designed without proper consultation or regard for cultural sensitivity and inclusive governance.

The group is calling for the immediate withdrawal of the bill and a fresh review that will take into account the ethnic and cultural makeup of Nigeria. They say a fair and representative council of traditional rulers can only work if every major group has a seat at the table.

Ohanaeze says Nigeria’s unity depends on decisions that reflect all voices, not just a few. They urge lawmakers to approach matters of national tradition and identity with a sense of responsibility and balance.