04/07/2025
I have noticed a pattern since I came on social media. A lot of people may have noticed it too. This pattern is very pronounced but we overlook it and it shouldn't be so.
Anytime an Anioma person goes online to say he's Igbo and not any other tribe, you find people from the other tribes, especially the Yorùbá and Edo people, coming on the post to attack him, telling him that he's crazy and should shut up.
When another Anioma person comes online to support the Edo origin stories, you'll see the Edo and Yorùbá people coming in the droves to cheer him on, telling him that he's on point. You'll see comments like, "those Igbo people won't like this oo" or "don't mind those Biafra dogs that want to claim everyone"
Now this is where it becomes important to notice the pattern. Why are they worried about Igbo unity? Why are they cheering on our people to fight themselves?
We've seen the Yorùbá people go as far as Cuba and other places to identify their own people, why is it now an issue if Igbos decide to locate their own people here?
We've seen Yorùbá lay claim to some parts of Delta State and heaven didn't fall. But once it's Igbos involved, you see the Igala, Edo and Yorùbá people unite against us.
Even funnier is the fact that when any content creator wants to gain followers, they talk about Igbos, firstly in a good way as though supporting us and then they come with the attacks on our identity.
I'm an Omu and though my traditional powers are limited to my community, Obio, I'm still a human being and I have the right to express myself how I deem fit. This is why I insist on not just coming online, but also running this page myself. I don't want to be left out in this agitation for identity redemption.
I am proudly Igbo, from the Enuani region and I speak the Enuani dialect of Igbo language. Just like you have the Awori, Ègbá, Ilesha, Ijesha and other dialects of the Yorùbá language, we also have different dialects of the Igbo language.
Any Yorùbá or Edo person you see talking about Igbos positively, is only trying to patronise us and grow his page. Do not get carried away by their sweet talks. They always have an agenda. Ignore them and remain focused on the obstacles ahead.
To my Anioma brothers and sisters, do not forget who you are. We are Igbos and have always been. Go to the West today and identify yourself as Emeka, Okonkwo, Ada, Ifeanyi and see if they'll refer to you as Edo or Igala. You'll be treated as an Igbo man because they know that is what you are.
The only time you'll see the Edo and Yorùbá people agree that you're not Igbo, is when they see Igbos from the East trying to reunite with us. But if an Anioma person is caught abroad for a crime, you'll see them call you Igbos and attack you.
They don't love us. They create animosity amongst us and they fight our unity. There are few good ones though and I appreciate them.
Continue to showcase your Igbo beauty and ignore the rants. Don't bother about some of us who are ignorant, just keep being proud of your heritage. Anioma bu Igbo and nothing can change that.
Afam bu Onyebuchibie Okonkwo, and I'm proudly Igbo!
Hrh Omu Onyebuchi Okonkwo
