Politics

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

Published

9 months ago

August 8, 2025

547 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

Obi, Kwankwaso dumping ADC for Seriake Dickson ‘s NDC — Galadima

The planned move follows weeks of speculation over the next political destination of Obi and Kwankwaso, particularly in the wake of recent Supreme Court developments affecting opposition parties and internal party structures.

Published

5 hours ago

May 2, 2026

OCHEFA

19 Views

“All is now set. Both Obi and Kwankwaso will announce their defection from the ADC on Monday.”

The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Buba Galadima, made the declaration Saturday in Abuja, during the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement Summit, where supporters and political stakeholders gathered to discuss opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Galadima emphasised that key opposition figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would announce a new political platform on Monday.

Although he did not name the platform, sources close to the former governors hinted that both leaders were concluding arrangements to join a newly floated political party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, reportedly linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson.

According to Galadima, both Obi, Kwankwaso and their chieftains were on ground on Friday and this morning (Saturday) and signed the relevant documents with Senator Dickson and the NDC leaders.

“We don’t want a repeat of what happened in the ADC to occur again”, said Galadima, warning supporters to brace up for what he described as coordinated attacks and disruptions that could trail the announcement.

He said, “As from Monday, when our leaders declare on which platform they will run, I want to tell you that one of two things will happen. And I’m here to guide you on your response to what will happen.“

First, they will sponsor columnists. Two, they will deploy social media influencers to start attacking our candidates. For all of you who are on social media and those you with the mighty pen, you must be prepared to respond to anything they are going to say.“

Anything under the sun that they may say about our leaders that we know very well, people of integrity and honour, we must come to them with the ferociousness that is needed of an intelligent man.”

Also speaking at the event, Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, expressed support for the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, describing it as a viable alternative.

“I am not a politician and don’t need to join your political party. But let me say that O-K (Obi-Kwankwaso) is okay for me. And I am ready to lead.“

In the last election in Lagos, I was the returning officer in Ibeju-Lekki. They came with so many things. But at the end of the day, the votes were so much that they couldn’t change the results.

“This time, I can tell you that we have already won in 28 out of 36 states. These 28 are already O-K. They are ready to vote. So it is up to them to say this time, you can’t steal our votes. And we have to be ready for that because it is easy to vote.”

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, John Ughulu, expressed optimism about the movement’s growing reach, saying Nigerians are poised to take over governance in 2027.

He said: “The movement has already spread like wildfire across the 36 states of the federation.”

Activist Aisha Yesufu, who also addressed the gathering, called for unity across ethnic and regional lines, urging Nigerians to prioritise national cohesion over division.

She said, “It is time for us to become a nation that is working. The next time they say to you that this is an Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba person, tell them indeed, we are all Nigerians.“

“We must unite right now. When they tell you about the generational hatred, ask them, where did it lead you to? Where has it also led Nigeria? We are brothers and sisters. We must not forget that.”

Politics

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Defects from PDP, Joins APM

He explained that the defection was driven by the need to reposition politically ahead of the fast-approaching 2027 elections, emphasizing the importance of providing a credible platform for his supporters.

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2026

OCHEFA

28 Views

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Saturday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), alongside loyalists aligned with the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party.

The governor announced his decision at the Government House in Bauchi during a well-attended event, where he was flanked by the APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, senior government officials, and party stakeholders.

” After extensive consultation, we have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the Allied Peoples Movement,” the governor declared.

“This is guided by one overriding objective: to secure victory in both states and continue to serve our people with utmost integrity, effectively mobilise our supporters and present a coherent and credible alternative to the people,” he said.

Politics

Breaking: Supreme Court restores David Mark-led ADC leadership

The apex court in its judgement delivered today, held that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal acted beyond its jurisdiction by unilaterally issuing such an order after it had already dismissed a case that was brought before it by one of the factions.

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2026

OCHEFA

34 Views

The Supreme Court has restored David Mark -led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba.

“Giving such an order in an appeal it had already dismissed was unnecessary, unwarranted and improper,” the Supreme Court held.

It held that the appeal that was filed before it by Senator David Mark succeeded in part, even as it dismissed the aspect that challenged an ex parte order the Federal High Court made for service of processes in the suit filed by aggrieved members of the party.

The apex court directed the factions to return to the trial court for continuation of hearing of the case.

It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal and website as ADC National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on April 1, citing the Court of Appeal’s judgment.

The electoral body said it would, in line with the order for maintenance of the status quo ante bellum, not recognise any of the warring factions until the legal dispute is determined.