By Muhammad Mamman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a prominent socio-cultural organisation representing the Igbo people, has issued a strong condemnation of a Senate bill proposing to designate the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council. The bill, which has advanced to its second reading in the Senate, has sparked significant controversy due to its perceived exclusion of other prominent traditional rulers from Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ezechi Chukwu, the organisation’s spokesperson, expressed dismay at the Senate’s rationale for advancing the bill, questioning its alignment with the principles of fairness, equity, justice, and the Federal Character provisions enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution. Mr Chukwu underscored that the Senate, as the nation’s primary legislative body and custodian of the democratic mandate, has a responsibility to uphold inclusive and equitable representation in its legislative proposals.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo described the bill as fundamentally inequitable, discriminatory, and ethnocentric, labelling it as “distasteful, reprehensible, and objectionable.” The organisation argued that the proposed legislation fails to incorporate essential ethical considerations, objective criteria, and unbiased frameworks necessary to promote national unity and social justice in Nigeria’s pluralistic society. “This bill lacks the requisite sensitivity to Nigeria’s diverse ethnic composition and cultural heritage, undermining the principles of inclusivity and fairness,” Mr Chukwu stated.
The organisation called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill and urged the Senate to undertake a comprehensive review that prioritises ethnic diversity, cultural sensitivity, geopolitical balance, and equitable representation. “Only through such a review can the legislation foster national unity, peaceful coexistence, and social stability,” Mr Chukwu emphasised.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s critique highlights the importance of legislative measures that reflect Nigeria’s complex socio-cultural landscape. The organisation’s stance serves as a reminder of the need for policies that promote inclusivity and respect for all ethnic groups, reinforcing the principles of unity and equity in a nation with over 250 ethnicities. The call for a revised bill underscores the critical role of traditional institutions in fostering social cohesion and the necessity for legislative processes to align with Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to fairness and representation.
