There is a growing discord among many Igbos and Yorubas, particularly in the southwest region of Nigeria. The escalating tensions have become increasingly concerning.
The relationship between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups is complex, rooted in historical, political, and socio-economic factors, rather than any inherent animosity. While many individuals from both groups coexist peacefully, certain historical grievances and contemporary issues—often exploited by politicians—contribute to rivalry and strained relations.
The recent 2023 general elections saw a significant rise in ethnic tensions in Lagos, with reports of Igbos facing threats, verbal abuse, and physical attacks at polling units. Hate speech and calls for Igbos to leave Lagos became prevalent online following the elections.
Land disputes and policies have also intensified feelings of discontent. Issues such as the demolition of Igbo businesses and houses, as well as the renaming of streets in Lagos, have been viewed as actions targeting the Igbo community and have further fueled grievances.
In recent years, new issues have emerged, worsening the relationship between the two ethnic groups in Nigeria. One significant concern for the Igbos in the southwest is their perception of being denied the civil rights that ordinary Nigerians should enjoy in Yorubaland, especially. They want the ability to vote and to be elected, as well as to have representation in the governments of the states where they reside. However, many Yorubas feel that allowing non-indigenes to take part in governance could lead to strangers taking over local assets and resources over time.
For over 20 years, Igbos in Lagos have typically held top political appointments within the Lagos State government. There have been Igbo commissioners, special advisers, and significant representation at the grassroots level. However, in the last two years, the number of these appointments has dwindled to zero, causing concern among Igbo elders and youths in the southwest. Additionally, in local market politics across Yoruba states, the Igbo community, which once played a prominent leadership role, has increasingly been sidelined in favour of Yoruba appointments.
A few months ago, in Ladipo Market, the popular Lagos spare parts market, a group of administrators was appointed to manage the market’s affairs following the “No Man’s Land” claim related to the 2023 elections in Lagos State. The main board overseeing the administration and activities at Ladipo Market includes: Barr. Femi Martins – Chairman, Mr, Tope Olowoyeye – Secretary, Mr Babatunde Ige, Mr Ajibade Olajoku and Mr Emmanuel Dike
Notably, only a non-Yoruba speaker was permitted to hold a position in this predominantly Igbo area, which had previously been governed by the Igbo community.
Another major concern is the demolition of properties across the state. An Igbo group, the Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU), recently appealed to President Tinubu to halt what they describe as “selective enforcement” and the demolition of properties owned by Igbos in Lagos State, which they consider a form of ethnic discrimination. Many Igbo residents and organisations accuse the Lagos State government of targeting their properties and businesses in a discriminatory manner, viewing it as a form of “ethnic cleansing” or “Igbophobia.”
In response, various leaders and commentators are urging the Igbo community to invest more in the South-East region, aiming to build economic resilience and reduce vulnerability to such actions in other parts of Nigeria.
Additionally, the installation of an “Eze,” which is akin to the role of a king, is another issue generating significant tension between the Igbo and Yoruba communities in Yoruba land. Many Yoruba people and their traditional rulers (Obas) oppose the establishment of the “Eze Ndigbo” title and palaces in Yoruba territory, perceiving it as a cultural imposition and a potential expansionist agenda that contravenes Yoruba customary law and tradition. According to tradition, there can only be one reigning monarch (Oba) and one palace within a specific community. The presence of an “Eze” (which means king in Igbo) with a palace is seen as a challenge to the authority and sovereignty of the local Yoruba Oba and is considered a major cultural affront.
One significant reason some Igbos have a negative perception of the Yoruba is tied to the loss of former President Goodluck Jonathan in his bid for a second term. Many Igbos believe that the Yoruba played a crucial role in Jonathan’s defeat during the 2015 presidential election. This belief stems not from a single cause but rather from the substantial impact of Yoruba votes and a unified opposition coalition on the election’s outcome. Political analysts generally attribute the results to a combination of factors, including entrenched ethno-religious voting patterns, a united opposition, and national issues, rather than any deliberate ethnic effort by the Yoruba to undermine Jonathan.
Nigerian elections often see regional and ethnic voting blocs. In 2015, Jonathan enjoyed strong support in the South-South (his home region) and the South-East (predominantly Igbo). Conversely, Muhammadu Buhari found his base in the North-West and North-East, while the South-West (predominantly Yoruba) emerged as a battleground. Jonathan had garnered considerable votes in the South-West during the 2011 election. However, in 2015, the APC succeeded in flipping many of these states. This shift was critical since Buhari received significant support from the South-West, contributing to his national victory margin of over 2.5 million votes.
Another issue is the portrayal of Yoruba culture in movies. Discussions and criticisms emerging from Nollywood and social media indicate a widespread concern among both Igbo and Yoruba people regarding the representation of their respective cultures in Nigerian films. Accusations of misrepresentation and negative stereotyping are frequent, with tension arising not solely from Igbo films disrespecting Yoruba culture but rather from broader cultural misunderstandings.
Perceptions of “Igbo disrespect” towards Yoruba culture largely arise from fundamental differences in cultural norms and expressions of respect, which can lead to friction and political manipulation, particularly in urban areas like Lagos. Yoruba culture places a high value on physical gestures of respect, such as prostrating (for men) and kneeling (for women) before elders. In contrast, traditional Igbo culture does not emphasise these specific acts, which some Yorubas misinterpret as a general lack of respect. Igbos contend that their culture has its own strict standards for respect (e.g., not using the left hand, not sitting while an elder is standing) and that respect must be earned rather than given automatically regardless of character.
Additionally, there are claims that Igbos faced political and ethnic marginalisation. Many allege they were sidelined in political appointments and experienced violence and disenfranchisement during the 2023 elections in Lagos. The sentiment of being treated as “guests” rather than equal stakeholders in “no-man’s land” like Lagos, as some hardline Yoruba nationalists suggest, contributes to this frustration.
Moreover, online hate campaigns, such as the “Igbo Must Go” movement, have intensified mutual animosity and suspicion. These digital discussions frequently involve derogatory stereotypes and threats, escalating tensions between the groups. While current issues are rooted in decades of historical and cultural differences, along with the events of the Nigerian Civil War, they continue to foster a sense of marginalisation among some Igbos.
Ultimately, many Igbos feel that the Yoruba are unwilling to vote for an Igbo candidate in a general election. In the 2023 gubernatorial election, the Yoruba people, who constitute the majority in Lagos State, largely did not support Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party. This was primarily due to what they called strong ethnic loyalty to the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Yoruba leader, Bola Tinubu, as well as the influence of identity politics and allegations of voter intimidation and suppression based on ethnicity. Likewise, some Yoruba assert that no Yoruba person would be allowed to govern Anambra or Ebonyi states, which continues to fuel contention between these two major ethnic groups in the country.
Isaac Abimbade
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