By Erewunmi Peace

The proposed bill in the Nigerian Senate to establish the National Council for Traditional Rulers has sparked national outrage, particularly over the provision that seeks to name the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as permanent co-chairmen of the council.

In strong reactions over the weekend, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) publicly rejected the bill, describing it as unconstitutional, ethnically biased, and contrary to Nigeria’s federal principles.

Ohanaeze: “This Is Discriminatory and Unacceptable”

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, condemned the bill in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu. The group argues that enshrining only two monarchs from particular ethnic and religious backgrounds as permanent leaders disregards the rich diversity of Nigeria’s traditional institutions.

“The bill is lopsided, unconstitutional, and against the spirit of equity and justice. We have prominent traditional rulers in the East, South-South, and Middle Belt whose authority and legacy are no less significant,” the statement reads.

Ohanaeze called on Senators from the South-East and other geo-political zones to oppose the bill when it returns for further legislative action.

Middle Belt Forum: “Sultan Clause is Unacceptable”

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), in a separate statement, also rejected the bill — especially the clause granting the Sultan of Sokoto permanent co-chairmanship. According to the forum, the Sultan’s dual religious and cultural status as a Muslim leader compromises the neutrality expected of a national institution in a secular state.

“This move gives undue prominence to a specific religious and ethnic leader in a pluralistic society. It cannot stand,” MBF said in a statement.

While the MBF declined to speak on the Ooni’s inclusion, it called for a rotational leadership model that reflects Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones equally.

What the Bill Proposes

The bill, which passed second reading in March 2025, aims to:

Formally establish the National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN)

Grant the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto permanent leadership roles

Serve as an advisory council on cultural and security matters

The bill is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

Critics Warn of Deepening Divisions

Cultural advocates and political analysts have warned that the bill may worsen regional tensions if passed in its current form.

Legal experts argue that permanent appointments violate the constitutional principle of equality and risk making the council appear exclusionary and ethnocentric.