It is improbable that the entire nation would single out one tribe as the scapegoat
WHO HATES THE IGBO TRIBE? | By Femi Omidiji
There is a widespread perception among Igbo individuals that other ethnic groups in Nigeria harbor animosity towards them. A pertinent question arises: why would a nation develop such negative sentiments towards a particular tribe?
It is essential to acknowledge that this is a personal viewpoint.
Historically, the Igbo tribe held significant positions of power in Nigeria, occupying major offices in politics and other sectors. They also dominated the military and police forces after independence.
Some attribute the current trend to the civil war, during which the Igbo people were allegedly ruthless towards northern military officers during the coup. Can it be reasonably concluded that this is the reason for the perceived hatred towards the Igbo people till date?
This explanation seems implausible, considering that the event occurred nearly seven decades ago and the anger has persisted. Moreover, those who witnessed the event have long passed away, leaving behind vague accounts of what actually transpired.
The primary reason this narrative has endured is largely political and not related to the civil war. After the Igbo people returned to the southwest, many regained possession of their properties, which they had left behind before fleeing.
There is no other tribe in Nigeria that has been more receptive to the Igbo people than the Yorubas. The Yorubas have been exceptionally welcoming and largely detribalized, a characteristic that has been consistent over time.
Historical accounts suggest that many Yoruba individuals protected Igbo people who remained in Yoruba land during the war. The notion that the Igbo people believe every other tribe dislikes them stems from their inability to assume leadership roles. They perceive it as a deliberate attempt to deny the Igbo people the presidency.
However, this is not necessarily the case. Some believe that other tribes are envious of the Igbo people’s success, as they are largely prosperous. However, this narrative is unfounded, as records indicate that only two Igbo individuals are among the ten richest people in Nigeria, and they do not occupy the top five positions.
While the Igbo people have indeed achieved significant success, Nigeria’s political system has not been favorable to them. This is not a deliberate attempt to marginalize the Igbo people but rather a result of the power structure, which is not unique to Nigeria.
Major tribes often dominate power dynamics, making it rare for minor tribes to assume leadership roles unless circumstances intervene, as seen in the case of Jonathan. It is improbable that the entire nation would single out one tribe as the scapegoat.
The prevailing belief among Igbo individuals that they are disliked stems primarily from their inability to secure the presidency, and unfortunately, this narrative may persist due to the low probability of an Igbo individual becoming president.
Often, Igbo individuals respond combatively to posts that they perceive as unfavorable, particularly those related to leadership. This phenomenon is rooted in psychology, as individuals who feel marginalized tend to become defensive. This behavior is not unique to the Igbo people but rather a natural response to perceived injustice.
*It is important to acknowledge that this article represents personal viewpoint and opinion of Femi Omidiji, a public commentator, who writes from Ogun State, Nigeria.
