The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) strongly opposes a controversial clause in the National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, currently under consideration by the National Assembly. Sponsored by Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau South), a respected son of the Middle Belt and the Gwad-Goemai of the Goemai ethnic nation, the Bill recently passed its second reading and is before the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.
At the centre of the controversy is a clause proposing that the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife be made permanent co-chairmen of the proposed National Council for Traditional Rulers.
While the MBF defers to Southern stakeholders regarding the inclusion of the Ooni of Ife, we unequivocally reject the institutionalisation of the Sultan of Sokoto as a permanent co-chairman. This rejection is based on firm historical, cultural, constitutional, and moral grounds, as outlined below:
Why the Middle Belt Forum Opposes the Clause:
1. The Sokoto Sultanate is Historically Junior to Middle Belt Monarchies
The Kwararafa Confederacy, represented today by the Aku Uka of Wukari, predates the Sokoto Caliphate by centuries. The Sultan cannot, by historical hierarchy, preside over the Aku Uka or other ancient Middle Belt thrones.
2. The Attah of Igala Holds Greater Traditional Status
The Igala Kingdom, with deep historical roots predating the 14th century, was never subjugated by the Caliphate. The Attah represents a sovereign lineage, independent and more senior in antiquity and cultural legitimacy.
3. The Tor Tiv Represents an Unconquered, Independent People
The Tiv Nation, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnolinguistic groups, was never conquered by Usman Dan Fodio’s forces. The Tor Tiv symbolizes an independent heritage and cannot be placed under the Sultan’s authority.
4. The Nupe Kingdom Predates the Sokoto Caliphate
With a proud lineage from the 15th century, the Nupe Kingdom existed long before Fulani influence. The Etsu Nupe remains a symbol of indigenous heritage that cannot be subordinated to the Caliphate.
5. The Sultan Is Primarily a Religious Leader
As the spiritual head of Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan’s role is primarily religious, not secular or pan-ethnic. His permanent leadership of a national traditional council undermines Nigeria’s secular constitution and alienates other faith groups.
6. The Kanem-Borno Empire Supersedes the Sokoto Caliphate
Although outside the Middle Belt, it is historically accurate to state that the Shehu of Borno, whose kingdom embraced Islam in the 11th century, holds a more ancient legacy than Sokoto. The 1804 Jihad never conquered Borno.
7. The Sultan’s Patronage of MACBAN Raises Serious Concerns
As the permanent patron of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), an organization linked with violent Fulani herdsmen, the Sultan has not sufficiently distanced himself from these atrocities, particularly in the Middle Belt.
8. The Middle Belt Cannot Continue to Defer to Sokoto
The Middle Belt, largely unconquered during the Jihad and forcefully subordinated during colonial indirect rule, refuses to accept a modern-day structure that elevates the Sultan above our traditional rulers.
Our Position
The Middle Belt Forum hereby declares:
i) If the bill passes with the offending clause and is signed into law, we will mobilize all ethnic nationalities in the Middle Belt to boycott the Council.
ii) Traditional rulers in the region will neither recognize nor participate in any Council permanently chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto.
iii) We will form an Autonomous Council of Middle Belt Traditional Rulers to preserve our cultural heritage and uphold our people’s dignity.
The Path Forward
To promote unity and fairness, we recommend:
a) The chairmanship of the Council should be rotational across all geo-political zones or ethnic blocs.
b) Leadership should be tenure-based, ensuring equity and inclusion for all traditional rulers.
c) Alternatively, the chairperson(s) should be elected democratically by traditional rulers in a transparent and representative process.
d) The Council must uphold values of equality, justice, and historical truth.
The Middle Belt Forum remains committed to a Nigeria where mutual respect, fairness, and historical accuracy guide national policy. We believe no traditional leader should be elevated above others permanently, particularly one with a religious role that risks violating Nigeria’s secular and federal principles.
We will resist, through all lawful and democratic means, any attempt to impose a permanent religious figurehead on a national traditional institution.
Signed:
Luka Binniyat
National Spokesman
Middle Belt Forum (MBF)
Abuja, Nigeria
