Politics

Senate’s Proposal to Elevate Ooni, Sultan Sparks Nationwide Debate

Published

5 months ago

August 8, 2025

411 Views

A proposed bill in the Nigerian Senate seeking to establish a constitutionally recognized National Council of Traditional Rulers has triggered widespread criticism across the country—particularly over a controversial clause that elevates the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as permanent heads of the Council.

While the bill—sponsored by Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau South)—is intended to formalize the role of traditional rulers in national development and peacebuilding, its provision giving the Ooni and Sultan precedence over all other monarchs has been condemned as divisive, undemocratic, and a threat to Nigeria’s federal character.

The bill, which passed second reading in March and is currently before the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, has drawn sharp opposition from several groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), and Concerned Hausa Stakeholders, among others.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo: “This is injustice and ethnic bias”

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, rejected the bill outright, calling it unjust, ethnocentric, and a violation of equity, fairness, and federal character principles.

Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, stated:

“The bill threatens to marginalize traditional institutions in the South-East, South-South, and Middle Belt. It disregards the diverse ethnic makeup of Nigeria and reduces the Senate to a promoter of executive lawlessness.”

Ohanaeze insisted the bill should be reviewed to reflect ethnic diversity and promote inclusive governance, rather than institutionalizing “ethnic hierarchy.”

Middle Belt Forum: “Sultan has no seniority over our monarchs”

The Middle Belt Forum also issued a strong rejection, particularly the clause elevating the Sultan of Sokoto. National Publicity Secretary Luka Binniyat said the move undermines historically older and culturally distinct institutions in the region.

“The Sultan of Sokoto is junior to ancient Middle Belt monarchies such as the Attah of Igala, the Tor Tiv, and the Etsu Nupe. This bill is a distortion of historical facts,” the group stated.

The MBF also criticized the Sultan’s role as primarily religious—not traditional—arguing that assigning him national traditional authority violates Nigeria’s secular character and marginalizes Christians and traditional worshippers.

They warned that if the clause is not removed, Middle Belt traditional rulers will boycott the Council and form their own autonomous body reflecting their heritage.

Concerned Hausa Stakeholders: “Nigeria is not a Fulani-Yoruba federation”

In a parallel rejection, a group of Concerned Hausa Stakeholders described the bill as ethnically biased and historically misleading. The group insisted that the Sultan of Sokoto does not represent the Hausa ethnic group culturally or traditionally.

“The Sultan is the Sarkin Musulmi, a religious leader of Fulani extraction, not a traditional Hausa monarch. He cannot speak for Hausa or northern traditional institutions,” the group said.

They argued that ancient Hausa city-states like Daura, Kano, and Zaria predate the Sokoto Caliphate, and it is insulting to subordinate them under the Sultan’s authority.

They further questioned the exclusion of other prominent monarchs, including the Oba of Benin, the Shehu of Borno, and Eze Nri in the East, saying the bill entrenches ethnic favoritism and risks igniting national disunity.

Alaigbo Development Foundation: “A slap on Nigeria’s cultural diversity”

The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) also condemned the bill, describing it as provocative and subjugative. They warned that it disrespects Nigeria’s cultural diversity and could provoke ethnic tensions.

“This bill is an insult to the Igbo people and to Nigeria’s cultural heritage. We urge all Igbo lawmakers to reject it and protect the integrity of our traditional institutions,” the group said.

Individual Reactions from South-West and South-South

Despite the elevation of the Ooni of Ife under the bill, some Yoruba voices also expressed disapproval.

Femi Adebowale, a university lecturer, questioned the assumption that the Ooni could speak for the entire Yoruba nation:

“Historically, the Alafin of Oyo is senior to the Ooni of Ife. So how can he be placed above all other Yoruba monarchs? This is divisive and historically inaccurate.”

Similarly, Caleb Osazuwa, a lawyer from Edo State, said the idea that the Ooni could represent southern traditional rulers—including the Oba of Benin—was laughable.

“It’s the greatest joke of the century. The Oba of Benin cannot and will never be placed under the Ooni. Nigeria must respect its ethnic and historical realities.”

Proposed Alternatives

In their responses, several groups and individuals offered suggestions to preserve equity and national unity:

Rotational chairmanship of the Council across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones or ethnic blocs.
Democratic selection of leaders by traditional rulers themselves, through an inclusive process.
Clear separation between religious and traditional leadership to reflect Nigeria’s secular constitution.

Conclusion

As the Senate continues deliberations on the bill, growing nationwide backlash underscores Nigeria’s deep ethnic and historical complexities. Many fear that elevating two monarchs as permanent leaders of a national council could spark tensions, marginalize diverse ethnicities, and derail efforts toward unity.

While the creation of a national body for traditional rulers is seen as a positive step, critics argue that any structure must be inclusive, fair, and reflective of Nigeria’s pluralistic identity—not one that institutionalizes ethnic hierarchy.

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Politics

Rivers High Court Halts Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

Published

2 days ago

January 16, 2026

Charles Flames

16 Views

In a significant development amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area, Port Harcourt, has granted an interim injunction restraining the Rivers State House of Assembly from proceeding with impeachment steps against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The ruling, delivered by Justice F.A. Fiberesima on Friday following ex parte motions in two separate suits filed by the governor (Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026) and his deputy (Suit No. OYHC/6/CS/2026), bars the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, the Clerk of the House, and other defendants from forwarding any resolution, articles of impeachment, or related documents to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi.

The court also specifically restrained the Chief Judge from receiving, considering, forwarding, or acting on any such communications for the purpose of constituting a seven-member investigative panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and deputy.

The interim order is effective for seven days, pending the hearing of the substantive motion, adjourned to January 23, 2026.

This judicial intervention comes hours after the Rivers State House of Assembly, during its plenary on Friday, unanimously resolved to press ahead with the impeachment process.

The lawmakers formally requested the Chief Judge to set up the panel, insisting the move was in line with constitutional provisions despite earlier withdrawals and reversals by some members.

The impeachment proceedings were initiated on January 8, 2026, with the Assembly citing alleged gross misconduct by Fubara and Odu, including issues related to the demolition of the Assembly complex and unauthorized spending.

The process has seen fluctuations, with four lawmakers initially withdrawing support in favor of dialogue before some reversed their stance.

The Assembly has reportedly dismissed the court order, arguing that the judiciary lacks the power to intervene in legislative impeachment processes under the constitution.

The ruling provides temporary relief to Governor Fubara amid heightened tensions in the oil-rich state, where the political rift has drawn national attention.

The case continues to unfold as both sides prepare for the next court date.

Politics

Atiku reacts to his son’s defection to APC ” It’s personal to him”

“In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect. As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2026

OCHEFA

28 Views

The former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to his son’s defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, , saying ” It’s his personal choice.”

Atiku’s son, Abba Abubakar, defected from the PDP to the ruling APC, and pledged to work for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Reacting in a statement, Atiku said: “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal.

“What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.

“I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

Politics

SHOCKING: Atiku’s Son Abba defects to APC, Pledges Support For Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election

Published

3 days ago

January 15, 2026

Charles Flames

38 Views

In a surprising development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba and son of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the National Assembly in Abuja, where Abba was warmly received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside key APC leaders from the North-East zone, including the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu.

Abba, who founded the political platform Haske Atiku Organisation in 2022 to support his father’s 2023 presidential bid, declared his resignation from the PDP as a personal and historic decision. He cited his conviction in the leadership of Senator Barau Jibrin and the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as key factors influencing his move.

“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party, where we worked in 2023, and my decision to join the APC,” he stated.

He further pledged full commitment to mobilizing support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition in 2027, directing all coordinators and members of his former organization to immediately align with the APC and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. To this effect, I am directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu,” Abba added.

In a symbolic high point of the event, the Haske Atiku Organisation was officially renamed the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signaling a complete realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Welcoming the defector, Senator Barau described the move as bold, wise, and principled, noting that Abba — who had been monitoring developments from the United States — was impressed by the Tinubu administration’s reforms.

“You have taken a decision based on ideology. You did not come here because of your father. You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ideology, and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Barau remarked.

APC National Vice Chairman (North-East) Comrade Mustapha Salihu hailed the defection as symbolic and reflective of “politics without borders,” assuring Abba of equal opportunities within the party. A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, welcomed him as a “homecoming,” stating, “Just like Atiku, Tinubu is also your father.

Your decision guarantees a future in this party.

“Abba’s political structure and grassroots network are seen by APC leaders as a significant boost to the party’s consolidation efforts in the North ahead of 2027.

The development comes amid ongoing realignments in Nigerian politics, with the APC positioning itself strongly for continuity and the opposition grappling with internal dynamics.