Lagos, Nigeria – The long-standing political tension between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups in Nigeria has been traced back to a pivotal moment in 1948, contrary to the widely held belief that it was triggered by the controversial “carpet crossing” of 1951. Historical accounts suggest that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik) played a key role in igniting hostilities through his strong opposition to the formation of the Yoruba socio-political organization, Egbe Omo Oduduwa.
According to Ghanaian nationalist and former president of the West African Students’ Union (W.A.S.U.), Joseph Appiah, the Igbo-Yoruba political rivalry took shape when the Egbe Omo Oduduwa was founded in London in 1945 by prominent Yoruba figures, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Oni Akerele, Akintola Williams, and Chief Rosiji. While the organization was intended to promote Yoruba cultural identity, it was met with resistance from Azikiwe and some of his allies, despite the fact that an Ibo Union had existed for nearly two years without similar opposition.
In an editorial published on September 8, 1948, in The West African Pilot, a newspaper associated with Azikiwe, a call for political confrontation was issued, stating:
“Henceforth, the cry must be one of battle against the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, its leaders at home and abroad, up hill and down dale, in the streets of Nigeria and in the streets of London and in the residence of its advocates.”
This statement, attributed to Azikiwe, was perceived as a direct declaration of hostility towards the Yoruba leadership, marking the beginning of what later became a deep-seated political rift between the two ethnic groups.
Historians argue that the 1951 “carpet crossing” – where Yoruba legislators switched allegiance to ensure that Azikiwe did not become the Premier of Western Nigeria – was a defensive response to this earlier political aggression. Yoruba leaders, wary of Azikiwe’s perceived hostility towards their political organization, saw the move as necessary to protect their regional interests.
This historical perspective challenges the widely accepted Igbo narrative that the Yoruba betrayed Azikiwe in 1951. Instead, it presents the event as a consequence of pre-existing tensions that had been set in motion three years earlier.
Observers have pointed out that the Igbo-Yoruba rivalry has shaped Nigeria’s political landscape for decades, often fueling divisions that hinder national unity. Political analysts emphasize the need for both groups to reflect on historical missteps and work towards reconciliation.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, calls for detente and mutual respect between these two influential ethnic groups remain critical to fostering national cohesion and progress.
