14/08/2026
Iβll keep saying this until we have a better understanding: please stop confusing political identity with ethnic identity.
Political boundaries can change. Ethnic identity does not change because a government redraws a map, creates a new state, or moves a community from one administrative region to another.
Before Nigeria was created, our ancestors already had their communities, languages, traditions, histories and identities. People from Ika, Orlu, Owerri, Ukwani and many other areas had identities and cultural connections that existed long before Nigeria and its political structures.
Then Nigeria was created. Regions were introduced. Later, states were created. Boundaries were redrawn, local governments were established, and political affiliations changed. Today, people may identify with a particular state because that is where they live or because that is the political structure governing them.
But political geography should not be used to erase, redefine or dictate someoneβs ethnic identity.
A person can belong politically to one state while maintaining an ethnic, linguistic or cultural identity connected to a broader ancestral family. These are two different concepts, and we should learn to discuss them separately.
If tomorrow another state is created, will the people suddenly acquire a new ethnicity? No. If another boundary is drawn, does culture disappear? No.
Political identity can change multiple times throughout history. Ethnic identity, language, ancestry and cultural heritage have deeper roots.
So, when discussing identity, let us understand the difference between where people are politically located and who they are culturally and historically.
We can debate boundaries, states and political structures respectfully, but we should not use politics to rewrite peopleβs history.
History deserves careful understanding, not political convenience.
