In a recent post by Joe Igbokwe, Yorubaland was highlighted as a haven of tolerance for immigrants from other parts of Nigeria. While this might appear as praise on the surface, the underlying sarcasm should not escape any discerning Yoruba individual. It serves as a subtle critique, perhaps aimed at the Yoruba people’s openness, juxtaposed with the exclusivity often associated with Igbo communities.

Reuben Abati is currently embroiled in controversy for his statement that Igbos rarely sell land to non-Igbos. His remarks have sparked outrage on social media, where he has been labeled an ethnic bigot. Some have even called for his dismissal. This backlash mirrors my experience last year when I critiqued the conduct of the last presidential election and certain statements made by Obidients. The fallout was intense: over six million posts and reposts aimed at tarnishing my reputation, including fabricated court cases and calls for my dismissal from my university position.

During the TV talk show where Abati made his remarks, he cited the case of TOS Benson, a Yoruba man who faced rejection when trying to purchase land to build homes for his Igbo wife and children somewhere in Igboland. Although Abati didn’t specify the location, many viewers acknowledged the plausibility of such an account, given the widely known insularity of Igbo land practices.

Interestingly, while many have condemned Abati, no one has outrightly contested his claims—an indication of how publicly accepted such practices are. Some critics objected to the characterization of Igbos as immigrants carrying little more than small bags when they arrived in Yorubaland. However, the objection seems rooted in pride rather than a challenge to the truth of the narrative.

There is no denying that Igbos have sought economic opportunities in Yorubaland and achieved remarkable success. Their prosperity owes much to the welcoming and conducive environment provided by the Yoruba people. It is also undeniable that no other ethnic group in Nigeria has experienced the level of economic success in Igboland that the Igbos have in Yorubaland.

Despite this, the Igbo society remains largely closed to other Nigerians. This exclusivity fosters resentment and creates a stark contrast with the Yoruba ethos of openness. Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic hub, has been a second home to the Igbos. However, the narrative that “the Igbos developed Lagos” and the claim that “Lagos is a no man’s land” are straining Yoruba-Igbo relations. The divisive rhetoric, particularly during and after the last elections, exposed cracks in the Yoruba’s famed hospitality.

Nation-building is not a one-sided endeavor. It requires deliberate collaboration among diverse groups to drive human-centered development. Open societies thrive as crucibles of innovation, culture, and ideas—key ingredients for sustainable progress. Conversely, closed societies risk stagnation and underdevelopment.

The “we developed Lagos” mantra and claims of Lagos being a no man’s land are awakening the Yoruba to the challenges of navigating diversity in a multi-ethnic society. The global rise of anti-immigrant sentiments—exemplified by Trumpism in the U.S., Brexit in the U.K., and other nationalist movements—offers cautionary tales about the dangers of such divisive rhetoric.

Nigeria has walked this path before. The crisis following the first coup and the subsequent civil war were fueled by unguarded rhetoric and ethnic posturing. These are dangerous seeds that yield no good fruits.

Whether Joe Igbokwe’s comments were mocking or sincere, and regardless of Abati’s delivery, this is a moment of reflection for all Nigerians. We must recognize that careless words and exclusionary attitudes threaten our fragile nationalism and hinder the collective task of nation-building.

Permit me to add that many Igbos see Joe Igbokwe as anti-Igbo, a clear indication that he meant everything he said in his post.

Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyi
November 24, 2024

Link to Joe Igbokwe’s post:

https://www.facebook.com/share/15BoRH4hNg/