Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly criticised a proposed bill in the Senate that seeks to establish the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as permanent Co-Chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation condemned the move, stating that it marginalises traditional rulers from other ethnic groups and geopolitical zones across Nigeria.
The controversial bill, which has reportedly passed second reading, was described by Ohanaeze as “asymmetric,” lacking in fairness, equity, and adherence to the federal character principles enshrined in the Constitution.
“The Senate has failed in its duty as the nation’s highest legislative institution and custodian of democratic equity,” Chukwu asserted. “This bill is not only inequitable and discriminatory, but also ethnocentric, distasteful, and constitutionally objectionable.”
Ohanaeze further argued that the proposed legislation disregards the nation’s pluralist nature and undermines the values of national unity, cultural diversity, and social justice.
The group called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill, urging lawmakers to re-evaluate it with due regard to ethnic diversity, cultural sensitivity, geopolitical balance, and inclusive governance.
“Only through such a comprehensive review can the bill contribute meaningfully to national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and long-term stability,” Chukwu concluded.
