By Moses Otache
Abuja
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has kicked against a controversial clause in the proposed National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to make the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife permanent co-chairmen of the council.
In a strongly-worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Forum described the move as an insult to the historical and cultural heritage of the Middle Belt region.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau South), has passed second reading in the Senate and is currently before the Committee on Establishment and Public Service. However, the MBF has raised serious objections, particularly against giving the Sultan of Sokoto a permanent leadership role, saying it undermines the status of traditional rulers from the Middle Belt.
Historical Superiority of Middle Belt Monarchies*
The Forum argued that many traditional institutions in the Middle Belt predate and surpass the Sokoto Sultanate in historical significance.
“For instance, the ancient Kwararafa Kingdom, whose modern-day representative is the Aku Uka of Wukari, existed centuries before the Sokoto Caliphate was established,” Binniyat stated. “How then can the Sultan, whose dynasty only came into existence in the 19th century, be placed above our monarchs in a national council?”
The MBF also pointed to the Attah of Igala, whose kingdom flourished long before the Sokoto jihad, and the Tor Tiv, whose people were never conquered by the Fulani caliphate.
Religious Bias and Security Concerns
The Forum expressed concerns that making the Sultan, who doubles as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, a permanent co-chairman would compromise Nigeria’s secular status.
“Traditional rulers are custodians of culture, not religious leaders. Elevating the Sultan to this position sends the wrong message that Nigeria is tilting towards an Islamic traditional system,” the statement read.
The MBF also linked the Sultan’s position as patron of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) to the insecurity in the Middle Belt, accusing him of not doing enough to stop violent attacks by herdsmen.
Threat to Form Alternative Council
The Forum warned that if the bill is passed in its current form, traditional rulers from the Middle Belt would boycott the council and establish their own independent body.
“We will not accept a situation where our monarchs are made to bow to the Sultan in a national traditional council. If this injustice is forced on us, we will have no choice but to form our own Council of Middle Belt Traditional Rulers,” the statement declared.
Calls for Rotational Leadership
Instead of a fixed leadership structure, the MBF proposed that the chairmanship of the council should rotate among the six geopolitical zones or major ethnic blocs to ensure fairness.
“Why should two monarchs from the North and South-West be made permanent leaders while others are sidelined? This is undemocratic and against the federal character principle,” Binniyat argued.
Conclusion
The MBF vowed to resist the bill through all legal and democratic means, insisting that Nigeria’s unity must be built on justice and equal recognition of all traditional institutions.
“We will not allow history to be rewritten to favour a particular dynasty at the expense of others,” the statement concluded.
