‘We Reject This Insult!’ – Middle Belt Kicks Against Making Sultan of Sokoto Permanent Council Co-Chairman

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly opposed a part of a new bill seeking to make the Sultan of Sokoto a permanent co-chairman of the proposed National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

In a press statement released on July 27, 2025, and signed by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF described the move as an “insult” to the history, culture, and dignity of traditional rulers in the Middle Belt.

The controversial clause is part of a bill sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong, which is currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service after passing its second reading in March.

According to the Forum, the Sultan’s proposed permanent leadership position is historically and culturally misplaced. It argued that many traditional rulers in the Middle Belt, including the Aku Uka of Wukari, Attah of Igala, Tor Tiv, and Etsu Nupe, preside over kingdoms that existed long before the Sokoto Caliphate was founded in the 1800s.

“The Sultan of Sokoto cannot supersede these great monarchs in status or prestige,” the statement said.

The Forum also stated that the Sultan is largely a religious leader, not a secular traditional ruler, and that giving him such a national role could tilt the balance in favour of one religion, violating Nigeria’s secular foundation.

The group further accused the Sultan of failing to speak up against the actions of Fulani herders, whom they say are linked to violent attacks across the Middle Belt. They claim that his position as patron of MACBAN (Miyetti Allah) makes his inclusion even more controversial.

“If the Senate passes this bill with that clause and it’s signed into law, we will boycott the Council,” MBF warned.

The Forum proposed a rotational or democratic leadership system for the Council instead—one that reflects Nigeria’s cultural diversity and gives all ethnic groups a sense of dignity and fairness.

“We will not accept any arrangement that forces us to continue deferring to the Sokoto Caliphate. That era is over,” the MBF concluded.