I read a thread by one of our Igbo brothers, linked here
Let us settle our differences, Igbo group tells Lagosians: https://www.nairaland.com/2450640/lets-settle-differences-igbo-group.
I think this is a very heart-warming and credible effort on the part of the group.

I have decided to create this response, as a way forward on the issue.
The idea is to "TRY" to explain things from the point of view of a Yoruba person so that once we know what the issues are, we can begin to iron them out.

[quote Author=Lastpage]
Generally, l think the "yabbis" we post on Nairaland is just a way of 'venting' and does not actually represent how we actually "feel and relate" with ourselves in real life.
I for one , do not carry it into the real world but then, we can make the relationship better, if we really want that, by working at it.

We are not at "war" but a BETTER RELATIONSHIP between Igbos and Yorubas can (and will) only be achieved if we start with HONESTY of PURPOSE and address the "historic root of dislike" between us, as it relates to the Civil War.

In particular:
1.) That the killings between the Hausas and Igbos "aggravated" as a result of Nigeria's first bloody coup led by Aguiyi Ironsi.
There had been 'pockets of discontent' between the two hitherto, as the Northern Muslim is not renowned for being very tolerant, especially of an aggressive guest as the business-oriented igbos living in the North, turned out to be. An Huasa "reprisal coup" lead to Aguiyi ironsi's death later. This is the genesis of the Civil war, in one paragraph.

2.) That the Yorubas made it known to Ojukwu that they were not ready to go into a secession war as at that time because they were not ready militarily, were already surrounded by Northern populated military garrisons and to go to war at that point will be sheer suicide
Every leader has a 'right and duty' to protect the survival of its people, you will agree. Awolowo did just that

3.) That Ojukwu unilaterally declared secession (whether that was the best and only option at that point is left to Igbos to contemplate) and expected Yorubas to follow despite our clear objections and ill-preparedness

4.) That Yorubas despite being part and parcel of Nigeria, stood aloof and did not actively participate in the Biafran Civil war, despite Lagos being the centre of Government. Yorubas were 'initially neutral' as the fight was basically between Igbos and Northerners.

5.) That Ojukwu in his military 'calculations and strategy', tried to force Yorubas into the war, thinking he was trying to open a second front and thereby 'stretch' the Nigerian Army. He also wanted a psychological blow on the federal govt by attacking Lagos. As a kid, l remember him attacking and bombing the Casino Cinema, at Alagomeji, in Lagos mainland.

6.) That for almost two years, Yorubas were reluctant to react to such provocations as we felt he should have directed his bomb "Northwards" since we hold no grudge against Igbos.

7.) That the 'final straw that broke the camel's back' was when Ojukwu's army attacked, as far as Oore town (current Ondo state, just before Ijebu-Ode) and Yorubas felt his intention was to destroy Yoruba lands, as he has done to Benin kingdom!

8.) That the Yorubas had no choice than to "defend and protect" their land, just as we would expect Igbos to do, if attacked.
Yorubas at that point, joined the war and the rest as the say, is HISTORY. In war, there are no winners and anything to achieve victory is on the table. Our sympathy to all those who lost their lives on both sides.

9.) That the Igbos WRONGLY blamed Yorubas for their failure in the secession bid despite the fact that we only defended our land, when attacked, as any other nation would do.

10.) That Igbo parents see the above as a convenient excuse to tell their folks(That Yorubas made them lose the war), in a face-saving effort, when kids ask the question: But did you not realize that you could not win the war against North and S/West together?
This in-turn, fueled hatred, over subsequent generations. the result of which we experience in 2015!

11. That despite all these, the Yorubas have always shown "open arms" to Igbos and other tribes of Nigeria as we are a very hospitable people.
Our war effort was about our own survival as a Nation ...and after the war, we were willing to show the same disposition, as we had always shown to Igbos, before the war.

12.) That Igbos have since taken our 'hospitality and reluctance to resort to violence', as a sign of weakness and they do not think before calling us "cowards, to our face" but we make bold to say that no Nation is entirely a coward; it is just that our "risk aversion or risk threshold" are different. As Yorubas, we believe that we can solve most problems without recourse to violence. We think Violence should not be the first option, rather, "sound and logical brain-storming" is our hallmark.

13.) That Igbos have always adopted a confrontational and insulting posture, when it comes to discussing Yorubas, even within Yoruba enclaves. Such examples of provocative statements need not be repeated here though Yorubas have been known to reply in-kind, when provoked.

14.) That Peace between Nationalities is only achievable where there is mutual respect. A situation where one calls his host "Coward" or boast that they will overtake them on their ancestral land, reeks of arrogance and provocation.

15.) That Yorubas are first and foremost, Peace-loving people, intelligent and proud of who they are and as such, have no beef or deep-rooted animosity with any other tribe and we are always willing to "welcome and partner with" any other Nationality in Nigeria, as long as there would be mutual respect.

Let me also add that Yorubas believe in an "indivisible One Nigeria" where Justice, fair-play, respect for one another and integrity" are the building blocks of the nation. Though Nigeria as it is today, is far from this dream, we think "True Federalism", as opposed to secession, is the solution to attain such.
This is at variance with Igbos who believe they cannot live happily in a United and fair Nigeria, except they break-off into Biafra.

This is the "problem and solution", from the perspective of a Yoruba person.

I understand an Igbo person might see things from a different angle but l am sure that if we show honesty of purpose and are willing to accept and forget the past, then the future is always bright afterall, there are thriving marriages between both nations and in particular, Yorubas are known not to be "extremists" in anything, be it religion or tribal affinity.

So, the ball is your court, our Igbo brothers. We also extend an "Olive Branch" in return.
Like Broom, Together (based on Justice, fairness and mutual respect), we are stronger...
What do you think and what would you want, from your Yoruba Brothers?[/quote]

Now watch the Biafrans rain on your parade OP. Those are the real instigators right there.

.

lastpage:
I read a thread by one of our Igbo brothers, linked here
Let us settle our differences, Igbo group tells Lagosians: https://www.nairaland.com/2450640/lets-settle-differences-igbo-group.
I think this is a very heart-warming and credible effort on the part of the group.

I have decided to create this response, as a way forward on the issue.
The idea is to "TRY" to explain things from the point of view of a Yoruba person so that once we know what the issues are, we can begin to iron them out.

O

Ok

I have a lot of Igbo friends, and I can't remember the last time we exchange insult cos of tribe. Some of us just allow the seed of discord sown by politicians and some elders, to grow in our heart.

4 sale

O

Looking forward to meeting an igala girl after that I look into igbos - Yoruba issue







Let there be peace

I laugh at times at what l write on Nairaland too! I love 'yabbis' at times

One of my best Pals of over 30yrs si Igbo. We dont even discuss all these silly things and its as if they dont exist in our real and private world. we initially discussed it a long tome ago and we were both honest to admit the mistakes our parents made and apologized and hugged each other after. And that was the end, till today.

Thing is: Where are we getting it wrong?
What should be done to get it right?

You know, you cannot settle a fight, if you dont dig into what is causing the fight? The best you can do is to sweep it under the carpet, for some time, before it erupts again!

That is why l think we need to "go deep down" and thrash it out so that our friendship will not be that based on "hypocrisy and pretense".... as most have now.



Lastpage!

The Civil war is the problem between the two ethnic group!!!

sammyj:
The Civil war is the problem between the two ethnic group!!!

But why is it that after almost fifty years, we cant put it behind us, especially the New Age, technology generation?



Lastpage!

I guess the Mod is still expecting to be begged to put this one on FrontPage as well.

This una double standard is part of the problem but then, @Seun is responsible for such lapses!


Lastpage!

The reason is that we Yorubas are now ready to leave Nigeria and Form Our own Progressive Land but the Hatred cause by the Civil War has made believe that Once Yoruba is Out there's no more a Country called Nigeria..So igbo need to forget about the past as Yoruba did in other to achieve our sovereign country goal...

Classicool:
The reason is that we Yorubas are now ready to leave Nigeria and Form Our own Progressive Land but the Hatred cause by the Civil War has made believe that Once Yoruba is Out there's no more a Country called Nigeria..So igbo need to forget about the past as Yoruba did in other to achieve our sovereign country goal...

Sharrap there! Amadioha fire you

You are one of those foolish Igbos that register with Yoruba-sounding handles and then pretend like they are Yoruba.

Be proud of who you are and speak for yourself.

Anuofia!


Lastpage!

To add to your thesis in defining the problem and general perception as touching one of the causes of these irreconcilable differences.

The North is doing everything to integrate and accommodate the Easterners directly or indirectly into this government while the Southwest is so fiercely angry at such plan and will openly show their displeasure against Southeast interests without recourse to equity and justice.

This is the same thing that happened after the war where the West did everything to scuttle and hinder the rehabilitation and reconstruction of devastated Eastern Nigeria.

The problem between the West and the East is not religious nor socio-cultural rather political and economic competition hence the quagmire.

There is an unhealthy competition which has no end in sight. We can only give and take if the gap must be bridged.

I think nobody should forget history, else it may repeat itself again.
What happened during the civil war was really something that will continue to live in the minds of every igbo, it was a genocide in all its entirety. Igbos were killed even in the army by their fellow hausa soldiers.All they wanted was self determination. So many countries have done it and still doing it.


Looking at Nigeria today, I honestly pray we survive yet another 4 years.Our leaders are greedy and selfish. If the marriage isn't working, there should be a divorce.

Looking back at the horror of those civil war years, it's effect et al, and the igbos still insist on biafra, why not give it to them?

How can the two ethnic groups even quarrel seeing the rate at which they both marry from each other.....just go to the registry and see for yourself...we all witness the recent wedding of Coscharis when his son married a Yoruba girl...


Just leave those people shouting bigotry...they are less than 1percent of Nigerians I swear

God help you OP

Here in Nairobi, be it Igbo, Efik, Yoruba, everyone who is Nigerian looks forward to eat at the restaurant run by a fellow Nigeria and the atmosphere is always jovial. Outside Nigeria, who remembers which side you are from everyone na your bros!

sammyj:
The Civil war is the problem between the two ethnic group!!!

Akintola once referred to the University of Ibadan in which the Igbo VC elected to employ 109 Igbos and just 3 Yorubas right there in the Yoruba heartland. He mentioned this in a video aptly titled "Idi wahala laarin Yoruba ati Igbo". Now you think of it; what manner of a person can be so brazenly nepotistic? You bring a stranger into your house in the name of "Pan Africanism", then rather than feed your children, he starts taking your food to the land he came from. That person takes you for a great f0ol and has no iota of regard for you; neither does he know what decorum is.

That summarizes the problem. It goes beyond the civil war. It was there before the civil war, and it remained after.

lastpage:
I guess the Mod is still expecting to be begged to put this one on FrontPage as well.

This una double standard is part of the problem but then, @Seun is responsible for such lapses!


Lastpage!

it will never graze the front page..cos of a lot of tibal bigots will derail the thread....the mods are not stupid

There'll be peace when both tribes have their own separate nations

lastpage:


Sharrap there! Amadioha fire you

You are one of those foolish Igbos that register with Yoruba-sounding handles and then pretend like they are Yoruba.

Be proud of who you are and speak for yourself.

Anuofia!


Lastpage!

Lol Bro I no fit lie I be complete omo Ile karo-ojiree so.. Egbon if you think I'm not a Yoruba check my signature and also... If you still dont believe Irep Ogbomoso Ajilete Ibi ti won ti jeka tiwon to mu ko yegan.. I be Omo Afogbo ja.. And I'm an O'dua guy with my body and soul..

i am igbo and i like and admire the yoruabas expecially for their thirst for knowledge. i hv many yoruba frnds. d civil war generation is almost completely gone. let us d post-war generation not carry on a war that never involved us. my submition

Nnaabros:
i am igbo and i like and admire the yoruabas expecially for their thirst for knowledge. i have many yoruba friends. the civil war generation is completely gone. let us the post-generation not carry on a war that never involved us. my hunble submition

Na lie Oh, we cannot live together. period!

Una get power. Those on top of the food chain in Nigeria don't care about tribe except when they are caught stealing. At that point they find their jobless tribesmen to fight for them by pointing at thieves from other tribes that escaped justice. Mtcheew. Go make some money...who effing cares about tribe?

I am happy that Igbos and Yorubas are seeing so much reasons why there should be peace. We need Igbo/Yoruba unity to achieve growth in this country. I think we all should allow the events of 1967-70 behind us and forge a new phase of our relationship.

God Bless the BIG THREE (Igbo-Yoruba-Hausa)! God bless the other ethnic minorities(but equal in Nigeria). Most importantly, God Bless the Great Ijaw Nation.

Let me however add that there is need for SNC to discuss some of these issues and forge a progressive front for a better country. This present system breeds hate