Igbo Identity: Embracing Unity

I want to address a recurring issue in our region. It’s crucial to remember that as Igbo people, we are bound together by our shared heritage, regardless of which specific state we belong to. Rather than engaging in complaints and divisions, let us come together and embrace our unity.

I find it disheartening when I witness an Igbo person proclaiming their state’s superiority over others. It is concerning to hear someone from Anambra assert that they are more Igbo than person from other states, or when someone from other states believe they are more Igbo than those from Anambra. This mindset reflects a slave mentality.

To understand this better, let’s examine the historical context.

States were introduced for political reasons to divide and control. In the past, there were no states or local governments. Instead, the Igbo people identified themselves by their clans. Clans such as Obukpa, Obolo, Nkanu, Echie, Obigbo, Ezeagu, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ozubulu, Ihiala, Olu, Mbaise, Okigwe, Asaba, Ubulu-Uku, Aro, Umuahia, Ngwa, Okposi, Izii, Uturu, Ọka, Umunna etc., formed the Igbo community together. When the colonizers arrived, they found us going about our daily lives and conducting our businesses.

Nigeria was artificially created in 1914 by forcefully merging diverse ethnic groups. That’s when terms like “provinces,” “states,” and “regions” started to emerge.

During independence, there were four regions: Eastern, Northern, Mid-Western, and Western Regions. The present-day Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, and the five Igbo states in the southeast were all part of the Eastern Region, with its capital in Enugu. During the war, in an attempt to further divide the Igbo people, East Central State and Rivers state were created, and many Igbo clans were divided into Rivers state. To exacerbate the division, Gowon dissolved the Eastern Region, creating the East Central State in 1967. It was dissolved once again in 1976 to form two states: Anambra and Imo. Enugu served as the capital of Anambra at that time. Therefore, it was believed that Igbo land consisted only of Anambra and Imo states. It was during this period that statements like “a person from Imo is like this, while a person from Anambra is like that” started gaining momentum.

Old Anambra encompassed present-day Anambra State, Enugu State, Abakaliki, Izaa, Izii, and more. Old Imo included present-day Imo State, Abia State, Ohaozara (now part of Ebonyi State), Afikpo (now in Ebonyi), Akaeze (now part of Ebonyi), Ishiagu (now part of Ebonyi), and others. Over time, Enugu State was carved out of Anambra in 1991, and Awka became the capital of Anambra that same year. By 1991, communities like Abakaliki, Izii, and Izaa were considered part of Enugu State rather than Anambra. Additionally, Abia State was created from Imo in 1991, and Afikpo, Ohaozara, and Ivo (now part of Ebonyi) became part of Abia State. In 1996, Ebonyi State was created, taking areas from Enugu and Abia. Many changes occurred, and people had to identify themselves according to the newly created states.

It is important to recognise that nobody physically moved from their homes to become residents of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, or any other state. Rather, the states were created, and people were required to adapt accordingly. So why should we look down on someone else or feel superior based on the state we come from? These divisions are arbitrary and constantly changing.

We have unfortunately shifted our unity from being Ndi Igbo as a whole to primarily identifying ourselves based on our respective states. We have developed biases and prejudices against one another, focusing on our differences rather than our similarities. We must remember that these divisions are fluid, and more states may arise from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, or Imo in the future. How will we view our fellow Igbo from these new states?

In conclusion, let us embrace the understanding that all Ndi Igbo are united, regardless of the state we come from. We need to change our mindset, both at home and abroad, in order to progress as a people and promote the well-being of Ndi Igbo. Love and unity should guide our actions as we strengthen our collective identity and advance together.