A former House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Ononiwu Moses, has reacted to the recent rejection of a Senate bill proposing permanent co-chairmanship positions for only the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife in the National Council of Traditional Rulers.
He described the bill as a reflection of the ongoing pattern of marginalization against the Igbo people in Nigeria’s national affairs.
Ononiwu noted that traditional leadership in Nigeria must reflect the country’s diverse ethnic makeup to promote national unity and harmony.
He argued that the attempt to elevate only two traditional rulers from the North and Southwest shows a lack of inclusivity and fairness in national decision-making.
According to him, the Igbo ethnic group, with its deep-rooted traditional institutions, deserves equal representation at the highest level of the traditional council.
He stressed that figures like the Obi of Onitsha and other revered Igbo monarchs carry historical and cultural significance that should not be ignored.
The former candidate stated that excluding Igbo traditional rulers from leadership in the council sends the wrong message to millions of Nigerians seeking a sense of belonging.
He warned that continued political sidelining of certain ethnic groups could worsen national tensions and breed further division.
Ononiwu said this development should be a wake-up call for a broader conversation on inclusive governance in Nigeria.
He emphasized that a balanced representation in traditional institutions will help restore public confidence and promote mutual respect among ethnic groups.
He urged lawmakers to consult more widely before proposing bills that affect national unity and traditional leadership structures.
Ononiwu concluded by calling on federal authorities to prioritize equity, inclusion, and respect for Nigeria’s multi-ethnic identity in all future policies.