The issue of Igbophobia in Nigeria is deeply rooted, with its origins dating back to the colonial era and the early years of Nigeria’s independence. During this time, the Igbo people were perceived as disproportionately favored by colonial authorities, leading to envy and resentment from other ethnic groups. This negative sentiment was further exacerbated by the events of the Biafran War, which saw the Igbo-led secession and subsequently strained relationships with other Nigerian ethnic groups, especially the Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba.
The entrepreneurial spirit and cultural vibrancy of the Igbo people have often been met with suspicion and hostility. The recent wave of Igbophobia has been influenced by political tensions, economic disparities, and historical grievances, manifesting in various forms of discrimination and violence.
One of the most significant events that deepened these sentiments was the 1966 anti-Igbo pogrom, a series of massacres directed at Igbo people in northern Nigeria. This pogrom was fueled by a coup d’état assumably led predominantly by Igbo military officers, resulting in the deaths of many prominent Nigerian leaders of other ethnic origins. The aftermath of the Nigerian-Biafran war saw the Igbos stripped of their property and pride, receiving minimal compensation for rebuilding their lives.
In contemporary times, Igbophobia continues to manifest in both blatant and subtle forms. Subtle Igbophobia is often unrecognized, manifesting in different standards set for the Igbo compared to other ethnicities. This has resulted in accusations of the Igbo being clannish or not politically sophisticated when they vote en masse for a candidate or spread their votes. The Igbo’s significant presence in many parts of Nigeria, often as the second-largest population and dominant in retail business, has sometimes led to perceptions of them as an occupying force, attracting resentment.
The political landscape has also been influenced by Igbophobia, with ethnic-motivated attacks and tribal profiling observed in recent elections. The candidacy of Peter Obi in the presidential elections and the subsequent electoral dynamics in Lagos, where Igbos were accused of conspiring to change the political landscape, illustrate the deep-seated ethnic tensions in the country.
The reasons why an Igbo has not been elected president of Nigeria in recent times is rooted in historical and political dynamics. One significant factor as mentioned above is the lingering impact of the Nigerian civil war, also known as the Biafran War, which has left deep-seated resentments and mistrust. The events of the 1966 coup, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, an Igbo, and the assassination of prominent Nigerian leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the then premier of Northern Nigeria, have had lasting effects on the political landscape. Many in the North are perceived to have not forgiven the Igbo for these events, impacting the Igbo’s political prospects at the national level. But, was it really an Igbo coup?
Additionally, there’s a belief that there’s a deliberate lack of political will among the ruling class to accept people from the South East as equal Nigerians. This perspective sees a systematic exclusion of the Igbo from key positions in the security apparatus and other significant areas of governance. Such deliberate political maneuvers are seen as a way to punish the Igbo for their role in the civil war and are believed to contribute to the continued feeling of marginalization among the Igbo people.
The perception of Igbophobia, or the baseless suspicion of, prejudice, discrimination, or hostility against people from the Igbo ethnic group, also plays a role. This has been exemplified in recent political events, where Igbo candidates or those associated with the Igbo have faced significant opposition and ethnic-motivated attacks.
The political landscape in Nigeria is often influenced by regional affiliations and ethnic loyalties, which can overshadow individual merits or national unity. The predominance of certain regions or ethnic groups in Nigerian politics has historically marginalized others, including the Igbo.
Furthermore, the centralized power structure in Nigeria is a significant factor which many believe does not adequately represent the federation’s diverse nature. Critics argue that the current federal system concentrates too much power at the center, thereby weakening the federating units and reducing their autonomy. This centralization is seen as detrimental to the representation of diverse groups within the country, including the Igbo. The call for restructuring the federation is often linked to the desire for a more equitable distribution of power and better representation of all ethnic groups, including the Igbo, in the national political arena
It’s important to note that these issues are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Nigerian society and politics. Addressing them requires an understanding of the country’s history, the sensitivities of its diverse population, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political system.
These factors have created an environment where the Igbo people feel marginalized and discriminated against in the political arena despite what our puppet masters are trying to convince us to believe.
By Duruebube Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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