29/07/2025
Healing the Divide: Unraveling Yoruba-Igbo Tensions in Nigeria’s Quest for Unity.
The tensions between the Yoruba and Igbo, two of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, are a complex and deeply rooted issue, intertwined with historical, political, and socio-economic factors. While Nigeria’s current president, Bola Tinubu, and two former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ernest Shonekan, hail from the Yoruba ethnic group, the persistence of ethnic animosity, particularly from some Yoruba towards the Igbo, remains a troubling reality. This discord, often amplified by bigoted rhetoric, has become disturbingly normalized in certain circles. Yet, there is hope that through understanding, dialogue, and intentional efforts toward unity, this cycle of mistrust can be broken. Let’s explore the origins of this tension, its modern manifestations, and the path forward to reconciliation.
Historical Roots of Yoruba-Igbo Tensions
The rivalry between the Yoruba and Igbo predates Nigeria’s independence in 1960, shaped by competition for political power, economic dominance, and cultural influence. Both groups, each constituting roughly a fifth of Nigeria’s population, have historically vied for prominence in a nation with over 250 ethnic groups. The Yoruba, primarily based in the southwest, and the Igbo, concentrated in the southeast, have distinct cultural identities, governance structures, and historical trajectories that have sometimes clashed.
A pivotal moment in Yoruba-Igbo relations was the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), when the Igbo-led Biafra secession movement sought independence from Nigeria. The war left deep scars, with millions of Igbo lives lost, many due to starvation caused by a Nigerian military blockade. Some Igbo hold lingering resentment toward the Yoruba, particularly due to the perceived role of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent Yoruba leader, in the federal government’s strategy during the war. Awolowo’s policies, such as the economic measures that exacerbated Biafra’s suffering, are still cited by some Igbo as a betrayal, fueling mistrust that persists across generations.
Pre-independence politics also set the stage for discord. In the 1959 elections, the Igbo-led National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), under Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, chose to ally with the northern-led Northern People’s Congress (NPC) rather than the Yoruba-led Action Group (AG) under Awolowo. This decision denied the Yoruba a chance to lead the federal government, sowing seeds of political rivalry. The 1966 coups—first an Igbo-led coup and then a northern-led counter-coup—further deepened ethnic divides, culminating in the civil war.
Modern Manifestations of Ethnic Tensions
Fast forward to 2025, and ethnic tensions continue to simmer, exacerbated by political appointments, economic disparities, and social media propaganda. President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which began in May 2023, has faced criticism for appointing a disproportionate number of Yoruba individuals to key positions. For instance, as of April 2025, all eight of what political analyst Lawal Lawal describes as the “most crucial” government roles were filled by Yoruba appointees, including the head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). This has sparked accusations of ethnic favoritism, particularly from northern and Igbo communities, who feel marginalized.
Social media platforms like X have become battlegrounds for ethnic rhetoric. Recent posts highlight a perception among some Igbo that Yoruba bigotry has intensified under Tinubu’s presidency, with “Tinubu boys” allegedly spreading lies and propaganda daily. One user lamented, “Every single day Tinubu boys spread lies and propaganda about Igbo people, yet many Yoruba people don’t tell them to stop or caution them.” Another pointed to a historical “jealousy” rooted in perceived Igbo dominance in commerce and politics post-independence, which some Yoruba view as a threat. These sentiments, while not universal, reflect a vocal subset of opinions that amplify division.
The normalization of bigotry, as you aptly noted, is a disturbing trend. Posts on X describe a “deep bigotry and propaganda” among some Yoruba, accusing them of demonizing the Igbo as an existential threat. This rhetoric is not one-sided; some Igbo responses also carry ethnic undertones, accusing the Yoruba of entrenched tribalism. Such exchanges risk perpetuating a cycle of mutual distrust, where each group feels justified in their grievances.
The Yoruba Presidency and Ethnic Expectations
The fact that Nigeria has had two Yoruba presidents—Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979 and 1999–2007) and Ernest Shonekan (interim head of state in 1993)—alongside Tinubu’s current tenure, might suggest that Yoruba political dominance should ease tensions. However, the reality is more nuanced. Obasanjo, despite being Yoruba, was seen by some as a unifying figure due to his military background and efforts to include diverse ethnic groups in his administration. Shonekan’s brief tenure, marred by political instability, had little impact on ethnic dynamics.
Tinubu’s presidency, however, has reignited debates about ethnic favoritism. Critics argue that his appointments reflect a Yoruba-centric agenda, contrasting with the more balanced cabinets of predecessors like Goodluck Jonathan (Ijaw) and Muhammadu Buhari (Hausa-Fulani). For example, Jonathan’s administration included two Fulanis, two Hausas, one Atyap, one Igbo, one Yoruba, and one Calabar among the top eight positions, while Buhari’s leaned heavily northern but still included one Igbo and one Yoruba. The perception of Yoruba dominance under Tinubu has fueled Igbo frustrations, particularly as they feel their political influence has waned since the civil war.
The Path to Turning It Around
Despite the challenges, there is hope for reconciliation and unity. The “Handshake Across the Niger” summit in 2018, organized by the Igbo think-tank Nzuko Umunna and the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, was a significant step toward healing old wounds. Held in Enugu, the summit celebrated Igbo-Yoruba friendship and aimed to foster collaboration against common national challenges. Political analysts noted its potential to mark “the beginning of a new dawn” in their relationship.
Football, a unifying force in Nigeria, offers another avenue for reconciliation. While the 1977 Africa Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final between the Yoruba-supported Shooting Stars and the Igbo-backed Enugu Rangers fueled ethnic tensions, sports can also bridge divides. Shared passion for the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national team, has historically brought Yoruba and Igbo together, offering a platform to celebrate common identity.
Education and dialogue are critical. Both groups have vibrant intellectual traditions—evident in the Yoruba’s Obafemi Awolowo University and the Igbo’s Igbo-Ukwu archaeological heritage— that can be leveraged to promote mutual understanding. Community leaders, traditional rulers like the Ooni of Ife and Igbo Eze Nri, and religious figures can play pivotal roles in preaching unity, given the Yoruba and Igbo’s shared respect for both Christianity and Islam alongside traditional beliefs.
Finally, addressing economic disparities is essential. Poverty, a “common denominator” across Nigeria’s ethnic groups, unites more than it divides. Policies that ensure equitable resource distribution, job opportunities, and political representation can reduce competition and resentment. Tinubu’s administration could take a page from Obasanjo’s playbook by prioritizing inclusive governance, countering perceptions of Yoruba favoritism.
A Hopeful Future
The hate and bigotry you describe are real and painful, but they are not the whole story. Nigeria’s history shows moments of Yoruba-Igbo collaboration, from shared struggles against colonial rule to joint efforts in modern politics. The normalization of bigotry can be reversed through deliberate efforts—summits, cultural exchanges, and equitable policies—that highlight shared humanity over ethnic differences. As you said, “It must surely turn around.” With leadership that prioritizes national unity, a vibrant civil society, and a collective will to rise above tribalism, Nigeria can forge a future where Yoruba, Igbo, and all ethnic groups thrive together. The journey is long, but the potential for harmony is boundless. ,
