The Nigerian Senate’s attempt to establish a National Council of Traditional Rulers with the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife as permanent co-chairmen has drawn sharp criticism from elder stateswoman Senator (Princess) Florence Ita-Giwa, who issued a press statement titled “Not in Our Time: The Obong of Calabar and the Erasure of a Treaty-Bearing Traditional and Natural Throne” on August 3, 2025. As a daughter of the old Eastern Region, Ita-Giwa expressed deep concern over the legislative move, arguing it risks institutionalizing ethnic dominance and sidelining historically significant thrones like that of the Obong of Calabar. She emphasized her respect for the Sultan and Ooni as revered leaders but warned that permanently elevating their stools above others could undermine Nigeria’s diverse heritage and send a message of exclusion to other ethnic groups.
Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser, highlighted the Obong of Calabar’s historical stature, noting Calabar’s role as the capital of Southern Nigeria from 1899 to 1906 and its subsequent importance post-amalgamation, underscoring its treaty-bearing status. She urged the National Assembly to reconsider the bill, advocating for a rotational leadership structure or a council of equals to foster true unity and reflect Nigeria’s pluralistic royal traditions. “If we must honour history, let us do so holistically,” she stated, cautioning against a move that could deepen divisions and erase the voices of other monarchies, a stance that resonates with growing calls for equitable representation in Nigeria’s traditional leadership framework.
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