3 Key Reasons Yorubas and Igbos Always Disagree

Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, yet none dominate the political, cultural, and economic landscape like the Yoruba and Igbo. Both groups are powerful, industrious, and culturally rich, but they’re also known for their frequent disagreements, especially during elections, policy debates, and online discourse.

While these tensions are often amplified by social media and political manipulation, understanding their root causes can promote unity and dialogue.

According to the 2021 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey by the Africa Polling Institute, 65% of citizens expressed concerns that the country was much more divided than it was four years prior. Many argue that the case remains the same in 2025.

Here are three key reasons behind the recurring friction between the Yorubas and Igbos.

1. Historical and Political Mistrust Traced Back to Post-Independence Power Struggles

The political rivalry between the Yoruba and Igbo people dates back to Nigeria’s early post-independence era. In the 1960s, tensions emerged between major political figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Yoruba) of the Action Group and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Igbo) of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Their differing visions for Nigeria, federalism vs. centralism, created early cracks in interethnic trust.

The 1966 military coups, led first by mostly Igbo officers and then countered by Northern and Yoruba elements, deepened this mistrust. The killings of northern and Yoruba leaders in the first coup were perceived as ethnically biased, while the failure to punish the perpetrators further fueled conspiracy theories and ethnic division.

According to a survey conducted by NOIPolls in 2019, 56% of Nigerians believe that tribal (ethnic) discrimination persisted in the country. Meanwhile, the 2025 Africa Polling Institute report found that 83% of Nigerians express little to no trust in government institutions, suggesting widespread concerns about favouritism and exclusion.

2. Competition Over Economic Dominance in Urban Centers

The economic rivalry between the Yorubas and Igbos is particularly evident in cities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja, where both groups operate powerful business networks. The Igbos are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, often dominating trade, real estate, and import/export businesses. The Yorubas, with stronger historical access to Western education, have thrived in civil service, tech, media, and legal professions.

This economic overlap in high-stakes areas has bred competition, and sometimes resentment, especially when one group feels excluded or underrepresented.

3. Weaponisation of Identity by Politicians and Social Media Echo Chambers

Ethnic tensions are often inflamed during election cycles when politicians and influencers exploit identity narratives to gain votes. In the 2023 presidential elections, the online space was rife with ethnic slurs, propaganda, and misinformation, further damaging relationships between Yoruba and Igbo youths.

Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, have become battlegrounds for tribal superiority debates. These online conflicts, while not always reflecting offline realities, shape perceptions and worsen division.

While the Yoruba-Igbo divide is real, it is often overstated and manipulated. Both groups have more in common than not: strong family values, emphasis on education, cultural pride, and a desire for a better Nigeria.