.Prince Orji Nwafor -Orizu
By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
A Bill seeking to recognize traditional councils in the Constitution and elevate the Sultan and Ooni as permanent co-chairmen has sparked controversy over representation and fairness. Prince Nwafor-Orizu Orji, a prince from Nnewi in Anambra’s ancient monarchy and dynasty, has expressed concerns over the Bill’s implications.
He addressed journalists in his chambers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the weekend.
According to Prince Nwafor-Orizu, the Bill’s clause designating the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as permanent co-Chairmen is flawed. “A law cannot exist with people’s names or offices,” he said. “This will create an imbalance, ignoring the interests of other regions, particularly the South East and South South.”
The prince also expressed concerns about the marginalization of the Igbo people in governance. “Ndigbo are being treated as if they don’t exist,” he said. “Appointments are made without representation from the South East.”
Prince Nwafor-Orizu recommends that the Council’s chairmanship be rotated between Geopolitical Zones, similar to the NDDC model. “This will ensure balance and fairness,” he said.
He also advised the Senate to critically examine the Bill and consider the potential consequences. “If passed, it may create more confusion,” he warned.
The prince’s concerns highlight the need for inclusive representation and fairness in governance. As the Bill moves forward, it remains to be seen how the Senate will address these concerns.
Key areas of his concerns, according to the Nnewi – born prince are lack of representation for the Igbo people and South East region, flawed procedure for designating permanent co-Chairmen, potential for imbalance and conflict, and
need for rotation of chairmanship between Geopolitical Zones
In his recommendations, the prince suggested rotation of the chairmanship between Geopolitical Zones, establishing State Houses of Chiefs in the states of the federation, as was done in the regions before, to work in tandem with the State Houses of Assembly, and
ensure inclusive representation and fairness in governance.
The implications, according to him is that the Bill’s passage could exacerbate existing tensions and conflicts, adding that the lack of representation for the Igbo people and South East region could lead to further marginalization
Prince Orji Nwafor -Orizu observed that the rotated chairmanship could promote balance and fairness in governance.
