'The Oba’s Words Matter' - Chimamanda Adichie's response to Oba of Lagos | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Friday 10 April 2015

'The Oba’s Words Matter' - Chimamanda Adichie's response to Oba of Lagos

A response to the Oba of Lagos over his threat to Igbos from award winning writer, Chimamanda Adichie. Chimamanda says the Oba’s words are quite disturbing. Read below...
A few days ago, the Oba of Lagos threatened Igbo leaders. If they did not vote for his governorship candidate in Lagos, he said, they would be thrown into the lagoon. His entire speech was a flagrant performance of disregard. His words said, in effect: I think so little of you that I don’t have to cajole you but will just threaten you and, by the way, your safety in Lagos is not assured, it is negotiable.
There have been condemnations of the Oba’s words. Sadly, many of the condemnations from non-Igbo people have come with the ugly impatience of expressions like ‘move on,’ and  ‘don’t be over-emotional’ and ‘calm down.’ These take away the power, even the sincerity, of the condemnations. It is highhanded and offensive to tell an aggrieved person how to feel, or how quickly to forgive, just as an apology becomes a non-apology when it comes with ‘now get over it.’
Other condemnations of the Oba’s words have been couched in dismissive or diminishing language such as ‘The Oba can’t really do anything, he isn’t actually going to kill anyone. He was joking. He was just being a loudmouth.’

Or – the basest yet – ‘we are all prejudiced.’ It is dishonest to respond to a specific act of prejudice by ignoring that act and instead stressing the generic and the general.  It is similar to responding to a specific crime by saying ‘we are all capable of crime.’ Indeed we are. But responses such as these are diversionary tactics. They dismiss the specific act, diminish its importance, and ultimately aim at silencing the legitimate fears of people.

We are indeed all prejudiced, but that is not an appropriate response to an issue this serious. The Oba is not an ordinary citizen. He is a traditional ruler in a part of a country where traditional rulers command considerable influence – the reluctance on the part of many to directly chastise the Oba speaks to his power. The Oba’s words matter. He is not a singular voice; he represents traditional authority. The Oba’s words matter because they are enough to incite violence in a political setting already fraught with uncertainty. The Oba’s words matter even more in the event that Ambode loses the governorship election, because it would then be easy to scapegoat Igbo people and hold them punishable.

Nigerians who consider themselves enlightened might dismiss the Oba’s words as illogical. But the scapegoating of groups – which has a long history all over the world – has never been about logic. The Oba’s words matter because they bring worrying echoes of the early 1960s in Nigeria, when Igbo people were scapegoated for political reasons. Chinua Achebe, when he finally accepted that Lagos, the city he called home, was unsafe for him because he was Igbo, saw crowds at the motor park taunting Igbo people as they boarded buses: ‘Go, Igbo, go so that garri will be cheaper in Lagos!’
Of course Igbo people were not responsible for the cost of garri. But they were perceived as people who were responsible for a coup and who were ‘taking over’ and who, consequently, could be held responsible for everything bad.

Any group of people would understandably be troubled by a threat such as the Oba’s, but the Igbo, because of their history in Nigeria, have been particularly troubled. And it is a recent history. There are people alive today who were publicly attacked in cosmopolitan Lagos in the 1960s because they were Igbo. Even people who were merely light-skinned were at risk of violence in Lagos markets, because to be light-skinned was to be mistaken for Igbo.

Almost every Nigerian ethnic group has a grouse of some sort with the Nigerian state. The Nigerian state has, by turns, been violent, unfair, neglectful, of different parts of the country. Almost every ethnic group has derogatory stereotypes attached to it by other ethnic groups.

But it is disingenuous to suggest that the experience of every ethnic group has been the same. Anti-Igbo violence began under the British colonial government, with complex roots and manifestations. But the end result is a certain psychic difference in the relationship of Igbo people to the Nigerian state. To be Igbo in Nigeria is constantly to be suspect; your national patriotism is never taken as the norm, you are continually expected to prove it.

All groups are conditioned by their specific histories. Perhaps another ethnic group would have reacted with less concern to the Oba’s threat, because that ethnic group would not be conditioned by a history of being targets of violence, as the Igbo have been.

Many responses to the Oba’s threat have mentioned the ‘welcoming’ nature of Lagos, and have made comparisons between Lagos and southeastern towns like Onitsha. It is valid to debate the ethnic diversity of different parts of Nigeria, to compare, for example, Ibadan and Enugu, Ado-Ekiti and Aba, and to debate who moves where, and who feels comfortable living where and why that is. But it is odd to pretend that Lagos is like any other city in Nigeria. It is not. The political history of Lagos and its development as the first national capital set it apart. Lagos is Nigeria’s metropolis. There are ethnic Igbo people whose entire lives have been spent in Lagos, who have little or no ties to the southeast, who speak Yoruba better than Igbo. Should they, too, be reminded to be ‘grateful’ each time an election draws near?

No law-abiding Nigerian should be expected to show gratitude for living peacefully in any part of Nigeria. Landlords in Lagos should not, as still happens too often, be able to refuse to rent their property to Igbo people.

The Oba’s words were disturbing, but its context is even more disturbing:
The anti-Igbo rhetoric that has been part of the political discourse since the presidential election results.  Accusatory and derogatory language – using words like ‘brainwashed,’ ‘tribalistic voting’ – has been used to describe President Jonathan’s overwhelming win in the southeast. All democracies have regions that vote in large numbers for one side, and even though parts of Northern Nigeria showed voting patterns similar to the Southeast, the opprobrium has been reserved for the Southeast.
But the rhetoric is about more than mere voting. It is really about citizenship. To be so entitled as to question the legitimacy of a people’s choice in a democratic election is not only a sign of disrespect but is also a questioning of the full citizenship of those people.

What does it mean to be a Nigerian citizen?
When Igbo people are urged to be ‘grateful’ for being in Lagos, do they somehow have less of a right as citizens to live where they live? Every Nigerian should be able to live in any part of Nigeria. The only expectation for a Nigerian citizen living in any part of Nigeria is to be law-abiding. Not to be ‘grateful.’ Not to be expected to pay back some sort of unspoken favour by toeing a particular political line. Nigerian citizens can vote for whomever they choose, and should never be expected to justify or apologize for their choice.

Only by feeling a collective sense of ownership of Nigeria can we start to forge a nation. A nation is an idea. Nigeria is still in progress. To make this a nation, we must collectively agree on what citizenship means: all Nigerians must matter equally.

Culled from Ekekeee.com

760 comments:

1 – 200 of 760   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

STORY FOR THE GODS!!!!!! OPERATION EVACUATE ALL IGBO TO LAGOS LAGOON.... THATS ALL I KNOW..... #DABOTA

Unknown said...

Too long! Can someone summarize in one. Sentence!

Unknown said...

She don write Novel on top this thing wey happen

Ochaimo+ said...

Ada Igbo has spoken.

Anonymous said...

Vote agbaje we need change in lagos

Anonymous said...

This truth is what we all need to know .....God bless you Linda

Anonymous said...

Truer words have never been spoken. Pat Utomi, take note.

hotgirl said...

i like this girl die!

Unknown said...

U r an idiot ..compound fool

Anonymous said...

Truer words have never been spoken. Pat Utomi, take note.

Anonymous said...

Nwa m, you did not waste your school fees. This is hitting the nail on the head.
...Mama J...

Anonymous said...

FFK will soon post your naked picture, you loud mouthed bit*h

Unknown said...

Hmmmm well said i just hope i read dis handout #wink hmmm

Unknown said...

Chimamanda igbugom!!! Adim loyal!

Unknown said...

Her write up too dey long point noted

perfect mood apparel said...

well said, we have not crossed d line of tribalism in this country but the igbos too should constitute dis change by been more accommodating in their land.
It is not only in Lagos dat we have a huge no of Igbos, they're scattered all over d west. My point is Lagos is yorubaland & not no man's land and just as d way other tribes in igboland respects d political choice of d place they should also do d same ere.
It's not possible 4 a yorubaman 2 go 2 Enugu & be shouting change.
All d same vote ur choice because Jimi isn't an igboman.

Anonymous said...

Well said ChimaAmanda!

OIL said...

Abeg park well, must u write an epistle over this matter??she go soon publish new book now- The curse of an oba on igbo people.. just watch out
. mtshewww

Unknown said...

Big hugs too u dear for dat lovely piece. You never fail to deliver well n such issues.

Unknown said...

a.k.a EDWIN CHINEDU AZUBUKO said...
.
Nne daalu o.. Imeala....
.
.
***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***

Anonymous said...

If u can't take the heat leave the kitchen,lagos is for the oba he can say wht he wants to say freedom of speech, if igbo pple don't like wht the oba said they should move back to their states.

Unknown said...

Bia Anonymous,11:26 Odika ina apu ala? Isi Ona ekopughi?

Anonymous said...

Nne you just spoke my mind. Let's forget that stupid Oba of a person.

Anonymous said...

Who is this osu Guy that's writing this? Do u have a background at all? U this smelling Yoruba man. The lagoon that will swallow your Oba and his odungaran palace. Ewure Gambia.

Unknown said...

I would suggest that an Igbo man be given a chance to govern Lagos State considering their large contributions to economic development in the state.

Unknown said...

Good one my dear. U made alot of sense. Tell dat to dat foolish rochas

Anonymous said...

Enough of this please....let's move forward. Is she the mouth piece? One love my people .Chuks

Anonymous said...

Oh pls shutup

Anonymous said...

This lady be doing me proud since 1900

Anonymous said...

Where is this one coming from with all these epistle? In case you don't know, you ain't favouring Oba cos he is not contesting rather Ambo is. Pls vote Ambo. ****cageyberry ****

Anonymous said...

You are the most useless soul that ever existed on the surface of this earth! Go and get enlightened... Study the history of your country, and maybe then, only then, will you have sense!

Mzz_Mary said...

Well said

Kunle said...

God bless u, am not ibo, but u spoke my mind

Anonymous said...

Chimamanda, u don't need this Abeg, don't insinuate anything. Very typical of Igbos. Hian. U guys do more dan dat.

Anonymous said...

Oga eme gi voom na Anya na unu ga emecha buru ndi gara biri na Lagoon. Okpo!

Anonymous said...

Fool

Anonymous said...

Nne you just spoke my mind. Let's just leave that stupid Oba and his idiocy. He doesn't worth our time. The question I always ask them is this, My state produces oil which it's proceed are shared by all 36 states of the federation, have I ever asked them to be grateful to me!? Let's forget this ofenmanu people biko. They don't worth our precious time.

Anonymous said...

MY CONTRIBUTION TO ALL THIS DRAMA IS THAT WE AS NIGERIANS SHOULD STOP BAD MOUTHING EACH OTHER. E.G A YOURBA MAN CAN NOT GO TO IGBK LAND TO SPEAK OUT OF TERMS. HE'LL BE BRUTALISED. SO IGBOS SHOULD STOP CLAIMING ANY RIGHT. I DONT SUPPORT WHAT THE OBA SAID BUT I THINK HE IS JUST BEING A LOUDMOUTH. ANYWAY, THERE'S A SOLUTION. WE SHOULD START USING STATE OF RESIDENCE INSTEAD OF STATE OR ORIGIN THAT'S DRIVING OUR BELOVED COUNTRY TO THE DITCH.

optimisticlady said...

What a piece!

Anonymous said...

That's a terribly rude and base remark!

Unknown said...

Move on

Ik Okereke said...

Well said my sister. Very apt and in-depth analysis of this sad event. The Oba should be schooled again on the basics of leadership especially considering the peculiarities of Lagos.

Anonymous said...

I feel like crying

#I want my Biafra

Anonymous said...

well spoken! without the industrious nature of the igbos biko tell me where lagos will be

Anonymous said...

Oke naa bebe dabota, Bia evacuate nu naaa.

Unknown said...

Move on!

Unknown said...

Nne, u for don summarize am for us ooo..dis one na assignment wey u give person so.

Mr Jay said...

Yes indeed. Well worth reading. Blessings to you Ms. Adichie. Please Vote Agbaje. I already have my life jacket ready.

Ţhè Aristoķrąt said...

Spot on adiche...i am yoruba but can't speak yoruba. .but I know igbo folks who speak yoruba better than me..dat says we have the capacity to be really United if we choose to...
i served in abia and saw Hausa folks speaking igbo and I was like WOW!!....who said we cannot be United?

Țhè Aristoķrąt

Ofilispeaks.com said...

Well written!

Kemi said...

Tell your Igbo brothers n sisters to be as accommodating as the yorubas fool. All of u will die n lagoon...asheee! Igbos r not citizens in lagos they are guest go back to your father land. Oloriburuku ppl.Linda useless girl u better post "bitter truth by FFK" so that u guys will know were u stand. Make Una stay Una go dey carry corps one by one...ode

Anonymous said...

Very simple comment:

Yoruba's are very decent and reasonable people. No other tribe other than the Yoruba will entertain on their land what is going on in Lagos.

We all condemn the statement of OBA AKIOLU because two wrongs don't make anything right. But let us ask ourselves one important question: WHY IS OBA AKIOLU ANGRY WITH IGBOS?

My answers are:

1. I WILL ELEVATE EZE NDIGBO TO THE STATUS OF OBA OF LAGOS - JIMI AGBAJE.

2. IGBO WILL DETERMINE WHO RULES LAGOS- IFEANYI UBAH

3. LAGOS IS NO MAN'S LAND.- IFEANYI UBAH DURING TAN CAMPAIGN.

4. IGBO DEVELOPED AND CONTROLS LAGOS- JIMI AGBAJE DURING GEJ CAMPAIGN IN AKWA IBOM

5. WE MUST PRODUCE THE NEXT DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF LAGOS- EZE NDIGBO

MY QUESTIONS TO IGBOS:

1. CAN OBI OF ONITHSA ACCEPT ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONED?

2. CAN EMIR OF KANO ACCEPT ....?

3. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SINGLE TRIBE IN YOUR CABINET IN THE EAST?

4. CAN ANY TRIBE THAT IS NOT IGBO CLAIM ONITHSA OR ABA TO BE NO MAN'S LAND?

5. CAN OBI OF ONITHSA ACCEPT THE ELEVATION OF SARKIN HAUSA IN ONITHSA TO OBI'S STATUS?

My conclusion: We have been living together as brothers for years in peace. You must respect our tradition and institutions.Ifeanyi Ubah should stop jumping around Lagos beating drums of war.
The Oba may have thrown caution to the wind but a strong message has been passed. As we say in Yoruba land, it takes only one day for you to stop itinerant people from crossing your field. "Ma f'oko mi d'ana, ojo kan l'aa ko!"

GOD BLESS YORUBALAND!
GOD BLESS NIGERIA!

Anonymous said...

Shut up abeg, igbo pple,get out and go to ur local Aba!

Eclectic said...

True words never spoken on this matter till now. Thank you very much. I wonder if jk is igbo and why the yorubas are now against their own. Hausa people I can understand cos most of them r uneducated and even if you bring a cow, so long as it is from the north, they will vote for him, but the yorubas always claim to be enlightened but I'm sorry to say they r the most unwise ethnic group in Nigeria,Filled with greed and very lazy. They r the most trabalistic but r quick to point accusing fingers and call names. When they see igbos they begin to open eyes cos of their inferiority complex. Fact is in this world and in any world to come, the igbo man will forever be greater than the Yoruba man in all ramifications bcos they r God's own anointed and have been destined to be great where ever they r

Unknown said...

True talk.

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Unknown said...

Coward... put up ur id and repeat what u just said,i dare u.

Anonymous said...

.....not nice anonymous 11.26pm.

Anonymous said...

Sick person

Tunday black said...

Plz shut da fuck up.... If the ibos dont like wat d oba said dey shld leave lagos. What dey cant do in dere villages dey would come to lagos and do it. Go to oder states like edo, ekiti, ogun etc nd see wat dey use outsiders for even dere livestock are safer. Bloody ingrates. I sell nice shirts BBpin - 55D2DEAF

Anonymous said...

Wow!!,I wish those so-called Igbo chiefs would read this piece,instead of mere eye service.God bless u chi!!!

Chineze said...

Love her...she has spoken the truth...lagos has accommodated the ibos. .that's all I hear. There are yoruba people in the east and no one is chasing them about expecting gratitude...

Anonymous said...

A fool said to himself "There is no God" The Igwe of Lagos who is still battling for the legality of his throne is threatening a blessed Tribe called Igbo. Let us collectively call him a bastard by voting Agbaje..........publish it ooo

Unknown said...

Why re u bringing it back?

Anonymous said...

i would feel sorry for this if these igbo were not the most tribalistic people in Nigeria! Abegi!!! Igbo people are too tribalistic!

ANYA IKENGA said...

well written. I blame Igbo "leaders" like Rochas who see lagos as doing a favour to igbos who have lived their lives in Lagos and pay taxes there. This is more reason why the conference report should be implemented ASAP. the Northerners voted in the same Pattern the Igbos boted and we are being castigated and touted to have lost opportunity of producing one pot bellied National Assembly head. WHen the Yorubas have been voting in their own pattern since independence it never became a case to molest them. i just hope PDP becomes and Igbo Party. We can live with it, Afterall only our greedy few depends on government Patronage.

Unknown said...

Dtz is not stopping us from voting Ambode

Unknown said...

This is d right time for change

perfect mood apparel said...

Abuja is d capital of d nation but that doesn't change its native tribe. The yorubas r very welcoming & dats Y wen an igboman comes 2 d west after abt a year he brings his brother or in-law 2 come & hustle and everyone is cool with dat but d same can't be said of East, u barely see a Yoruba man owning businesses.
after d 1966 coup(carried out mostly by Igbos) d no of officers promoted & enrolled were 90% igbos & dat was wat caused d later uprising cos ppl (especially hausas) saw it as an Igbo takeover. Today d igbos heading any ministry or company employs more igbos compared 2 other tribes & dis is a trend dat is common & particular abt d Igbo race. If any change must start it must start with d Igbos.
Nobody's going 2 die in d lagoon cos of elections come out & vote with ur head.

Unknown said...

Guess this issue isn't ending anytime soon. Personally I don't place much importance in all this traditional ish, live and let live please. #Yoruba/IboGirlWithIboBooNoHate

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Unknown said...

I am a yoruba man, and I have to say that I absolutely and completely in agreement with Chimamanda. It was such a shame that an elderly man, not to talk of an "Oba" of Lagos making that kind of hateful statement, was unbecoming. Oba of Lagos need to sincerely and unequivocally apologize for his statement. I know he tried to walk back what he said, but when one is wrong, it takes a man of courage to admit it and make amends accordingly.

VCB said...

She is right.."The only expectation for a Nigerian citizen living in any part of Nigeria is to be law-abiding. Not to be ‘grateful."..are the Igbo's living in Lagos for free? Are they nor helping to build the economy of lagos ? The few days the Igbo's go home in December Lagos is very commercially dry. We should all stop calling out tribes.. ONE NIGERIA

Mrs E said...

So true! So aptly put! Why should the Igbos be grateful for residing in Lagos? Isn't that their constitutional right? Or is that they are second class citizens? Like it or not, who God has blessed, no man can curse. Like we say, Father, take whatever arrow pointed at us back to sender as we'll keep winning by your sufficient grace

Unknown said...

Nice piece. I was prepared to get angry as I read along but just like those that expected Nigeria to divide after the 2015 presidential elections, but I was disappointed. She made valid points that made sense. We are first of all Nigerians before any ethnicity is used to divide us. U still remain my idol chimamanda. Keep doing what you do.

Anonymous said...

This post is obviously not for illiterates like you.

joy Egbunu said...

Very well put together Ms Chimamanda!

joy Egbunu said...

Very well put together Ms Chimamanda!

VCB said...

Lazy tyn..I will wonder if you read your books in school at all..mtscheww

Joe said...

Tribalism will not allow many see the truth and warning in your message. God help Nigeria!

Anonymous said...

Chimamnda God bless u. Sometimes I wonder if we r truly one Nigeria n if we all v equal rights as citizens of this nation. The oba threatened d igbos which shouldn't b taken lightly. May d God of justice take absolute control

Anonymous said...

Vote 4 jimi

Uju said...

@Anonymous 11:26pm u are just a goat a.k.a nkuta ekuke . U wish u were Igbo. It is u and your whole generation that will be evacuated to d LAGOON. Bomko.

A-JAMMY said...

Well spoken Ada di Ora mma!

chic nevieve said...

Very well said!

B. V. Jerry said...

I'm non igbo but i applaud you for this write up

Unknown said...

You talk to much...story for d gods!

Anonymous said...

Makes sense. However, Igbo should try to make their place conducive for other people. Who is who's fool? People are bitter....

Amy said...

In your myopic brain

Alorlondon said...

Well spoken Chim. God bless you.

Unknown said...

God Bless and increae ur wisdom and eloquency Chimamanda!

@UmehOma

Unknown said...

Enter your comment... Am not an Igbo though! Bt there is a lot of sense in wht she said..u guys shld try and read it in full.

Anonymous said...

Makes sense. However, Igbo should try to make their place conducive for other people. Who is whose fool?People are bitter....

Anonymous said...

As in serious stories.. Move the fuck on fuckerzzz

Unknown said...

10 of u against 1nwa afor no reach... Ariwo (noice) dats wat ur gud at

Kingsley Lotanna Ezeonyido said...

It's a pity that your ignorance will soon and obviously consume you.
I love yoruba, hausa, igbo and other tribes should be your song all the times. Please welcome peace to your hatred laddened mind.

Think about it!
BR

mystery said...

Anumpama!

Unknown said...

You are a super brilliant woman. You just nailed it. May God continue to keep and bless you... Amen.

Unknown said...

No be small novel ontop ds matter nw nw

Anonymous said...

another one here to beat a dead horse!!! When your write up isn't one sided then i will respect you.

Eclectic said...

Yorubas have oju kokoro too much, the Lagos that they r deceiving themselves with that igbos r not contributing anything to and as such r insignificant, let me tell them, remove sea ports and Igbo men, Lagos will be as useless as every other southwestern state in Nigeria. Is it not yoruba landlords that builds all those useless face me I slap you houses in Lagos without toilet? An Igbo man will never do that. Go to any area in Lagos that is lacking in major infrastructures like roads and water, ones you enter any street that is dominated by yoruba people, you don't need anybody to tell you because they can never make any effort to ensure that the street is worthy for humans to inhabit bcos they like free free things, always waiting for their demented govt. The reverse is the case when u enter a street that is dominated by the igbos, they make effort and try in their own little ways to make most of those forgotten places look clean. At least they erect decent accommodation. And the ungrateful dimwits have mouth to insult them today.

Chi chi said...

That's very insensitive. I condemn that oba with every thing in my bone. However if any Igbo is looking for an apology forget. From my understanding yoruba obas don't eat their words, they are authoritative. But our God is greater than any oba!

However Chiamanda are you aware Tinubu appointed Igbo commissioner? 3 Igbo won house of rep seat?

Truth be told Yorubas won't be given the same right in Anambra, Enugu etc.

Chiamanda this is Lagos and it belongs to the Yorubas forget tori!

Anyways Ambode for Governor in a few hours by God's grace

Anonymous said...

NigerianS problem is nigerians themselves. Why do we choose to ignore the truth. Or is it that you truly believe these vile, sadistic, morally corrupt liars. Till u stand up and challenge the truth there will never be change. Just these evil men laughing at just how gulable these ppl are... such a shame

Anonymous said...

I'm watching my country go to the dogs! So sad. The loss of our greatness potential has been more evident than ever in the last no month. What will Nigeria be in 10 years? Divided? War torn? Impoverished? For what?!!

TWITS said...

Amanda hits it on the head most effectively.
On point. GBAM!

Cicee said...

Quite long but an intellectual write up.
I doff my hat for Chimamanda, her command of english is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Buhari said it's time to mend our wounds and bridge our divide! This is not a time to sow seeds of hate in anyone's mind. Let's remember that u are a nigerian before bn recognised as igbo or yoruba.our nationality is Nigerian....not igbo or yoruba....lets be wise!

Eclectic said...

This song is actually now making meaning to me : calaba idi akom, Igbo play wayoo, hausa shit for pant, yoruba pack am chop.

Ralph's Exodus said...

This isn't just about standing up for a particular ethnic group as much as it is about broadening our horizons far beyond the grasp of tribe discrimination, and understanding that to control another person's choice is to deny them liberty.

Anonymous said...

Vote Ambode for continuity

Unknown said...

Ada igbo imeela nkeoma,yagazie la gi nkeoma.

Anonymous said...

whole grammar, but igbos are not as tolerant as yorubas..... They should tolerate other tribes in their own states too.... Pls understand we can all leave any where in Nigeria but have a

Anonymous said...

True talk, that is to say that people should not buy land in abuja, ph and so on and so forth because they are non indigenes. Nigerians should be able to live anywhere in Nigeria without fear. Over here in the United states, Nigerians that have dual citizenship or greencard will move to anywhere in the United states and buy houses. US may have their reservations but they don't put pressure on you or remind you that it used to be their land so immgrants eligible to vote should vote their pick else.......

Anonymous said...

Go and make the change in your village first!

Tboy said...

English expression....... GES 101

Daily diet tv said...

Lol Yorubas tho. And they used to be my favourite people.

mystery said...

Change to what? Ungrateful u. Has APC/Fashola not "Changed and Transformed" lagos? Be here looking for change. Ewu

Unknown said...

Bastard idiot...you dn't even know whom your father is..cos your ashewo mama is confused. anu ofia

Anonymous said...

All of you hating Igbos in Nigeria are faceless cowards. Gossiping about us won't change a thing. We are here to stay, at least we are not hypocrites like some people are known to be who bark like toothless bulldogs. We walk our talk that's why we fought in the 60s, voted en mass for PDP unlike some who betrayed their kinsmen over night in 2011. And whose blog are you ranting on? An Igbo chic's blog. Faceless dumbass cowards. Ndi iberibe! Make I hear better word biko! JK na Igbo man? Abi Ambode? Umu Ewu!

Anonymous said...

MADAM GRAMMARIAN, YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FUCKING SUBTLY TRIBALISTIC, NOW U GET A TASTE OF YOUR OWN FUCKING MEDICINE.

I SPARED MYSELF THE WASTING OF TIME TO READ THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF SOME DEEP ROOTED BITTERNESS ALWAYS OOZING OUT OF CHIMADAMA OR WHATEVER UR SILLY NAME IS AND OTHER IGBOS WHO ARE STILL BITTER AT YORUBAS FOR SELLING THEM DURING CIVIL WAR, WELL IN UR NEXT LIFETIME, LEARN SENSE.I DO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WENT THRU DURING THE WAR, BUT THTS THE THING. THE BITTERNESS IS EATING U GUYS BIT BY BIT, AND U REFUSE TO MOVE ON.

PLS EHN, ADVISE YOUR BROTHERS, TO GET THE FUCK OUT OF LAGOS, STOP CAUSING CONGESTION, AND DEVELOP YOUR STATES. MAYBE UD BE BETTER RESPECTED.

YOU THRONG TO LAGOS LIKE HUNGRY WOLVES, YOU COME, YOU SETTLE, THEN U 'BITE' THE FINGERS THAT FED YOU. YOU ARE ALWAYS TRIBALISTIC, EVEN IN THE SLIGHTEST SITUATIONS.

LINDA IKEJI, YOU SELF, YOU KEEP STRETCHING THIS ISSUE, JUST LET IT DIE, OR Y'ALL IGBOS CAN TAKE A HIKE (WHICH I'D LIKE). WHY POST THIS CHINA GIRL'S OPINION AFTER A WEEK OR SO

LINDA U KNOW NO OTHER PLACE BUT LAGOS. YOU WERE RAISED AND BORN IN THE COMFORT OF LAGOS, BUT U STILL IDENTIFY AS 100% IGBO. WITHOUT LAGOS, WOULD U BE LINDA IKEJI? I KNOW U ARE A GOOD PERSON, AND A GOOD HEART U HAVE (BUT I NO FIT LIE). YOU NEED TO CALL UR PEOPLE TO ORDER IN ANY WAY U CAN.

WHEN U ARE IN LAGOS, U DANCE TO THE TUNE OF LAGOSIANS AND ALL YORUBAS.

I KNOW ITS EXTREMELY RUDE TO TYPE IN LOCKS, BUT YOU SEE, THATS EXACTLY WHY I DID IT- TO BE RUDE. LOL

perfect mood apparel said...

the presidential polls showed us how divided we are as a country but the fact remains dat GEJ got a lot of vote 4rm d west even if we had 1 of our own contesting and then d president did a few things in d west but d same can't be said abt d east whr d president won massively without any concrete achievement, d ppl just voted based on sentiments & ethnicity & also their hatred 4 d Hausa man. The common Igboman was going 2 vote PDP irrespective of d Oba's threat it's just his normal instinct and what's in his DNA. No doubt d Oba was silly but d Igboman has helped build Lagos 2 what it is 2day and Lagos is made great with our collective efforts. Kudos must be given 2 d Lagos govt 4 creating an enabling environ 2 make everyone's dream come true, so enough of d hate on Lagos govt & d Oba lets all move on.
Eko o ni baje ooo

Anonymous said...

Well said!! That I am Igbo doesn't mean im d cause of ur misfortune. Truth be told Lagos is nothing without the igbos. U Pple r d ones in power, u r d ones with d money and yet Igbo Pple r ur problem. Don't forget we Igbo's r like garri put us in water, we will swell!!

Anonymous said...

Well written nwa afo igbo. The Oba has just cost APC an election victory. But in all, God is King !aka#Godwin.

Unknown said...

She has said it all. Period. Thank U and God bless U Ma.

Tboy said...

English expression...... GES 101

Unknown said...

Anon 11:26, in ur short lived dreams.

Anonymous said...

What! Bullshit! to long to read and yes I'm in support of the oba against the oloriburuku igbos. Una wan turn gay for dis country abi iyalaya gbogbo yin ema shanku ni. Fucking hateful igbolistic tribe yall gonna drown in lagoon. I swear down yall Neva gonna be president in dis country! Fucking weak tribe! Spits!

Anonymous said...

@ omolara.... That appears to be the easiest and most interesting novel I be ever read. Chimamanda...I have. My respect for u..u a re a true daughter of the soil...you carefully chased your words , they were well constructed and u have passed the message peacefully....well done for speaking the minds of many ..I'm proud to be Igbo and a true citizen of Nigeria...one voice..one love

Eclectic said...

Funny enof, all the lagoon in Lagos, Igbo's have sandfilled it and erected magnificent structure that makes Lagos beautiful, left for you yorubas, only face me I slap will bastardise your so overly rated Lagos. So be grateful to the Igbos bcos they have contributed more than the Opportunists that r claiming ownership

Anonymous said...

ignoramus,chimamanda simply said it all and more.i love the way her mind works and for those of u,its not compulsory to comment,u can simply read and move on.SMH

Unknown said...

As always Chimamanda has spoken my mind with so much precision.The Oba's words do matter and issues like this should not be swept under the carpet.

www.weightiermatters.org said...

IS THIS A DESPOTIC MONARCHY? NOT EVEN IN DIVINE MONARCHIES WERE THESE THINGS TOLERATED. WHERE ARE THE STATE GVTS. COURTS, FORCES THAT SHOULD HAVE ACTED?

Anonymous said...

Its a pity that the APC which concists of majorly yoruba people can do anything to have power... Now someone who is in his/her right senses would see how deep the oba's statement means, its more than a joke or whatever he might have called it... Politics is all about winning an loosing but APC and their crew don't always see it that way... Imagine Tinubu also charging his party leaders that they messed up by allowing 5 seats in the house go to the PDP. Someone please tell me, what sort of remark is such?? Am sure only few can see the disaster APC would cause for Nigerians but soon we'll all be awakened to be responsible for every decisions we make both for selfish reasons or by exercising or right as Nigerian. We'll soon know that exact change they cry isn't for us but change to take over what belongs to you and I as Nigerians and covet them for their private use. But my prayer remains that God will keep florishing their lives with problems that the money they've selfishly stolen will not be able to handle, everyone who want to be in power in this nation called Nigeria for private extorsion may their day be dark, may their way be slipery, may they see darkness in the day, while they yet stand let their leg crumble right under their being, while they yet speak let their tongue wither away from their mouth, let their eyes be plucked out of its sucket wherever they sit to plan their mischieve. I curse the earth below the feets, they shall not know peace in Jesus name that's no respecter of any man. Amen!

PETER "De Rock" said...

She writes for a living but I don't read for a living.

Thanks for the subject head Linda, if not, I for no knw wet in she gatz talk

JK TILL 2019

Anonymous said...

CNA, I never thought this day wud come, but for the first time I have to disagree with u. Mayb I don't really understand ur pains since I'm not igbo, but 'e don do biko'. D oba said something wrong, everybody has castigated him including d person he was allegedly promoting. We all know nothing of wht d oba said would happen will happen irrespective of who u vote for, hence d jokes and memes. U wrote nothing of d igbo elders that were said to b applauding d king as he made d infamous statement. Biko Cholu.

Anonymous said...

Igbos the endangered tribe... They appear ignorant of the obvious.

Anonymous said...

Another Tout has spoken anonymous 11.26pm

Anonymous said...

Chimamanda, you finally commented. Thank you. It is not tribalism when all of the west voted for Osibanjo. That was patriotism and the people coming to the rescue of the nation. Same thing for all the northerners voting for Buhari. It was because they were being patriotic and taking back their country. the igbos voted using the same mentality as the rest of the country, and they have to be held to a higher standard. What bothers me is that I get into discussions with some of our fellow igbos and they actually chastise the group for not voting wisely. Who in the election truly voted wisely? Nobody. At the end of the day, whether we like it or not, we went back to 1966. We voted in ways that reflects our tribalistic tendencies. That is an explicit indictment on our level of development as a democracy. We are not united. We are not one people. Our differences are more than what we view as similarities between us. Our prejudices run deep. Until we take the bull by the horns and face the truth about our ugliness, we will never make progress. I have said it before, the igbos will never be able to yield a president because of these sentiments and they run deep. We will never have the votes from the west and the north to get us into office. The south south is in the same boat.If not for the Obama antics from the heavens, we would never have the opportunity to own Aso Rock for the time we did. God took out Yaradua in a hand of fate to show that he is the only one that has the final say. So to all of us there who have our blinders on because we now have yoruba or hausa last names o rbecause we speak yoruba or hausa fluently, it is okay to bask in the euphoria of accomplishments that are only inches deep.

Unknown said...

As always Chimamanda has spoken my mind with so much precision.The Oba's words do matter and issues like this should not be swept under the carpet.

Unknown said...

Sister Linda don meet Aunty Chimamanda, shey yhu dey feel say yhu sabi talk?, oya try and keep up with am. Lol. Na joke o before yhu thrown me inside the lagoon too

Anonymous said...

One guy even addresses the issue stating that the Oba is not going to apologise because he is a monarch and so you pple shd just accept your fate and let things go on as if nothing ever happened. People pls don't be decieved, Agbaje is the way Forward, what I don't understand is how the blame for this igbo issue is directed back at Agbaje. All of a sudden, you hear things like Agbaje is the one who gave rise to this inter tribal politics... Pple pls how??? Was it Agbaje that insulted the igbos? I am yoruba and APC completely disgusts me. I am voting for Jimi

kronikle artz said...

I think all she's saying in essence is that the Oba is an idiot; and that all who feels that what he said means little are even more idiotic than the Oba.
Without knowing it, that statement alone has given Jimi agbaje an edge. If there were more Igbos previously in favour of ambode, it's completely whittled down. Now imagine the Yoruba previously in favour of Jimi agbaje, plus all the Igbos, and then non igbos all voting for Jimi.... You do the math. Oba you yaff shit for church.

Vote JIMI AGBAJE.. for Governor Lagos state.
Me I just IGBOLIZED his name as... JIMINWA AGBAJEZE!!!

BECKYS WORLD EVENTS /NAIJA BAKERS BLOG said...

Am weep for my people. So Igbos re not humans? Am yoruba, but I ll never justify d racist degradation of any tribe esp, by d Ova, who is meant to be d custodian of our customs nd traditions. His words re not mere, His words can cause great havoc. Pls, and 11.26. Don't throw all Igbos in d lagoon. They re humans, nd Nigerians, they contribute immensely to national nd economic growth. Chimamanda well written. God bless u, I read every bit of it maybe bcos am a linguist nd literary writer hut I always digest bd enjoy ur in depth analysis.

teni-teni said...

It is quite disgusting and insulting for a so called African poet not to respect the culture and the tradition of we the Lagosians. Eko (Lagos) is a Yoruba State (West) and our Oba has just reiterated that Lagos cannot become a no man's land as your people call the Ibo land. Kabiyesi.

Anonymous said...

It's quite obvious that you are toeing the line of your mentor,Chinua Achebe,who was known for his war lies and propaganda, and hatred for other Nigerians, especially Yorubas.
Your hatred for other Nigerians is so 'in your face'.
Keep it up, you will soon win the Nobel prize, you hear?

teni-teni said...

It is quite disgusting and insulting for a so called African poet not to respect the culture and the tradition of we the Lagosians. Eko (Lagos) is a Yoruba State (West) and our Oba has just reiterated that Lagos cannot become a no man's land as your people call the Ibo land. Kabiyesi.

Anonymous said...

U have a point, a nation is an idea, or at least that's what d Americans have thought u, However, for us to get to d much desired promised land, there must be peaceful co-existence between indigenes and non-indigenes of d state and how can this be achieved?, first, there must be mutual respect for everyone irrespective of your tribe or ethnic group, second, we must be ready to mix cultures, third, the non-indigenes must do well not to desecrate d salient history, culture, tradition and by extension d heritage of their host( d indigenes) and their lands and they should do so with a sense of humility

Anonymous said...

Please my own interpretation is dat Oba already knows Jk we trust, so he will throw iBo's to the lagoon after Jk must have won, but he should remember it's not only igbo's that will vote jk, ppl want change every where.

Anonymous said...

Jk all d way

Anonymous said...

I need to stop wasting my time on Linda Ikeji. At the end of the day, I leave the blog more annoyed than I was when I opened it. Sometimes, I wish I could reply all these posts in person. It's not about grammar or reputtion, I just discovered not everyone can speak the truth. Someone needs to reply Chimamanda. Wole Soyinka will be just perfect.

Unknown said...

illitrate,call Oba Akiolu to do that for u.

Anonymous said...

HA HA HA.i still find the oba's speech quite funny.

Of course I am Yoruba, and cant be bothered about a set of silly ingrates called ibo.

Let all Igbo go back to their villages and hometowns.

LINDA Ikeji, we can allow ONLY you to stay. LWKMD!

Anonymous said...

Every Nigerian should be able to live in any part of Nigeria. The only expectation for a Nigerian citizen living in any part of Nigeria is to be law-abiding. Not to be ‘grateful.’ Not to be expected to pay back some sort of unspoken favour by toeing a particular political line. Nigerian citizens can vote for whomever "

Anonymous said...

You re a pity story

Anonymous said...

Okay. Okay. But next time Adichie, do us all a favor and keep ur words minute. All these long shii don't count. Just waste of space.

Koko said...

It is you and your generation that will be evacuated to the lagos lagoon mr anonymous 11:26. And just before I forget...thunder fire you there.

Anonymous said...

CHIMAMANDA YOUR WRITING LONG GRAMMAR PLS,WE ARE PRAYING FOR SUCH THING TO HAPPEN SO WE THE BIAFRANS WILL BRING THAT ZOO TO ASHES

Unknown said...

This is an objective and unbiased representation of the prejudice and hatred for the igbos not just in Lagos but nigeria in general.Kudos to u Chimamanda.

Anonymous said...

This is vintage Adichie. I have been somewhat worried by the silence of Nigerian writers to the genocidal call by Oba Akiolu of Lagos since the outrage erupted. Not even the man who gave us "The Man Died" or the bard that wrote "The Poet Lied" have spoken. It must be that man dies and the poet lies once it has to do with the Igbo. But Adichie has said it all. Just the way that Achebe would have put it were he alive. Indeed, every writer worth his name must stand up against genocide of any type whether implied or real. It is sacred duty which only writers who have surrendered the weight of their calling can ignore. It does not matter what tribe or religion one claims. Thank you Chimamanda.

Anonymous said...

Very well written! It's not a write up for everybody. Biased people steer clear, u can't make sense out of this....

Gleemahfashionworld said...

I feel her comment was unnecessary.. too deep and sentimental

Unknown said...

Vote anytin U like,Lagos is nt Onitcha so 2 hell wit d igboo fools dat is nt ready 2 listen 2 Oba Akinolu

Unknown said...

Well said chimamanda.

mua said...

You're a fool

Damochedxb said...

Chimamanda yes Oba effed up and all, lets go and maim the Oba.. .. but please direct most of your essay to the east. Your people are hostile to other natives.. They are tribalistic in nature.. That is the General belief/experience of a larger percentage of other tribes concerning igbo people. Majority of ibo people (especially those in the east) simply do like like people of other tribes.. If not why is it only the Ibo tribe that's clamouring for separation from Nigeria? How can u say Yoruba and/or hausa dont like the Ibos yet they never for once push for a separation?? And its not because the Ibos are not benefitting from the Entity called Nigeria they simply dont wanna co'exist with people of other tribes cos of skme factor that i just cant place my fingers on. Every tribe wants to be carried along by the Government in power. But the average Ibos just feel if u are not my tribe then u are not my brother, i shouldn't support you even if u care for me than my so called brother. Its really not healthy...

Anonymous said...

Omo Nna ton so grammar,pele o!
All what you have written are stories for the God's.Who wants your people to be grateful?Who needs it?

All we are saying is that when you give an Igbo man an inch he takes a mile.At least we have done things that you feel demands gratitude,what have your people done?You make Lagos so dirty,you import fake items into Lagos,you pirate movies,etc.Yet we accommodate you in the spirit of one Nigeria!

You even said we should not compare Lagos with any other city in Nigeria,I completely agree with you!
If we had spoilt Lagos , your people won't have been so happy to migrate here.

For your information,Lagos is the village of some people.Their ancestral home.Even if this country is one,must you desecrate another man's home?

Please keep all your rhetoric and grammar for your novels okay?

What we are simply telling you is don't decide who will govern in a place that does not belong to you!No Yoruba or Hausa person will do that in the S/E?

I hope you can understand that!

Westex said...

A well written piece which I don't expect many "quick fingers" of this generation to even read fully not to talk of understanding because of intellectual laziness. She has told some home truths and approached the matter from histo-social perspective which has been lacking in most analysis I have read. The Oba is primus interpes and must always be cautious in words and deeds. There must not be comparisons between Lagos and other cities because no city is like Lagos in Nigeria. All ethnic groups must be able to live free in in any state of the federation if we must make progress as a nation.

Anonymous said...

Word!

Unknown said...

Ada ndi Ibo indeed.
So much love and respect to you mama.
Elegant with brain.
That's how to be constructive with your words.
Fearless to the core.

Unknown said...

Well crafted. Many Igbo friends have also fallen to the wicked argument that Igbo are not political giants because we chose to vote for the PDP and I ask, had the Yorubas abandoned the AC which later metamorphosed to ACN and with the merger APC would they have gotten to this height this soon? I encourage all non-indigene in Lagos to Vote Jimi Agbaje and diminish the Oba's relevance once and for all.

Anonymous said...

Word!

Unknown said...

If Fashola has nt made Lagos dat lucrative will U pple live ur town nd come down 2 Lagos 2 trade,its time 4 everybody 2 go 2 were u belong.vote anytin u like so dat wwen U loose 2morrow we take back all dat belongs 2 us.

WeALTHY ChIC said...

Well said dear. God punish oba akiolu.

Anonymous said...

PLS LET BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA GIVE OBA LIKE JEGA HIS OWN AWARD TOO.WELL SPOKEN OBA

Unknown said...

Vote anytin U like,Lagos is nt Onitcha so 2 hell wit d igboo fools dat is nt ready 2 listen 2 Oba Akinolu

Anonymous said...

You people sha like showing your stubborness in every issue. This happened how many days ago, yet you just decided to write about it, thereby over flogging it.

Can Yorubas contest for any political office in an Igbo state? The answer is a big No, but you guys always seem to fail in addressing this issue in all your long essays over this matter.

What the Oba said was wrong, but that does not mean you all should go on dishing insults on him. Do you insult your parents when they do or say something bad to you.

You people keep saying you don't war but you keep referring to it.

Unknown said...

I feel the issue of citizenship as it pertain to Nigeria is still not fully understood. The indigene vs non-indidene dichotomy have made matters even more complicated.

Anonymous said...

I love you, and I love education.

Aces said...

In one sentence, she said the igbos have always been victimised and termed as tribalistic by everyone one else in Nigeria and they deserve better.
She should have just made er response short and simple and not go back to 1960, that's a touchy topic for igbos and it can ignite them to wanna continue the war that was started in the 1960s.

Becky. said...

Linda pls haba it seems dis issue won't go away till u see d last write up on it. Both candidates are Yoruba 4 crying out loud. Peace we pray.

Anonymous said...

These girl is over thinking her relevance. She should take a chair and go back to writing fiction.

Anonymous said...

Your father first in line. Our cultural differences make us beautiful yet tear us apart. In America I can move from California to Alaska and live peacefully with no one asking me questions. We forget that Nigeria is a country and all it's people are citizens of country, not state.

Unknown said...

I don't blame you haters. She has spoken and has the right to do so. You feel indifferent because it does not affect you or your ethnicity directly. Let's not drag ourselves back to the 60's cause you really don't want to know and experience the horror of another WAR and tribal conflicts.

Eskor-brown said...

Anonymous 11:26. You need Jesus in your life.

Anonymous said...

Since the Oba released his venomous genocidical words, the xenophobic comments and rationalization that has trailed it should worry every reasonable person... the audacity to ask a whole tribe to justify their support is just... unacceptable to my sensibilities

Anonymous said...

Take ur time and read, listen, understand, dont b in a hurry

snowhytt said...

My....That was lovely...I'm an ardent admirer. You have spoken and dissected this issue better than I had hoped. Truly Nigeria is no nation yet...its still very much in progress.

Anonymous said...

Omolara you are a stupid idiot.....your cowardly fathers did not teach u any better...hypocrites...the stupid Obama you all lick his arse because of his juju is the one who will die tomorrow....I pray agbaje wins so he commits sucide...

Gerry said...

@anonymous 11:26, u speak like a fool dat u re.

Anonymous said...

Linda pls post my comment! She has made some points but I beg to differ on some things. Youi will be surprised at the population of igbos in oda western cities like IBADAN, aBEOKuTA and even kano. But its not the same welcome gesture the yorubas and hausas get when they go to the east to do buness. The first settlers in lagos are the AWORI PEOPLE of ile ife and they are YORUBAS, even b4 the benin people came to lagos. So whether they like it or not, no matter the acres of lands you buy in lagos, it is a yoruba land and a western state. There are yorubas whose state of origin is actually lagos state and they have a "lagos dialect" so what are we talkin about?

Anonymous said...

He threatened his yoruba subjects too so I don't think it's tribalism. He is just a tactless man.

Unknown said...

Jimi is the best candidate for Lagos. Time for change!

Anonymous said...

You are very stupid. Please stop giving well-meaning Yorubas a bad name. Admit that the Oba was wrong!!

Anonymous said...

As I expected, it can Never be a short write up!

Anonymous said...

Hate causes cancer. Be warned.

optimisticlady said...

She said the truth....me thinks its wrong timing tho.Talk when others where talking,not when the dust has settled.

Anonymous said...

1Sided post. The nigerian civil war was singlehandedly self inflicted by the ibos. B4 the coup, where they decided to kill every other tribal leader and their father but conveniently allowed azikiwe to survive and then conveiently put an ibo man on d throne, they experienced peace and wealth in d north o! No wonder fani kayode abused them cos his father was one of their targets dt fateful night.

Now their big arrogant mouths have started wagging again. Shouting up and down Lagos is no mans land, we built it. Who built what? The sw had always bn d most developed part ofthis country even when calabar was the capital of this country. IT was d prosperity in lagos dt made them move d capital there. In fact before independence ibadan was even more developed dn lagos. U strangers dt came here penniless now said u built lagos. Abi lagos built u. If u could build lagos go and replicate ur wealth in ur village now. IDIOTS.

Anonymous said...

Wetin concern her, shebi she no dey live for Niger and she is saying one nation. She should allow those who live here to make judgements.

Anonymous said...

U are as stupid as u sound. Ur words will remain ur portion. I'm Yoruba, married to a wonderful igbo guy.

NaijaDeltaBabe said...

Ok. So all dis talk on top say oba talk small thing? Hian! I'm sure she replies her 'gud morning' wit a 5-page epistle. Lol. I dint even read it

Anonymous said...

what ibos dont uderstand is anytime they say lagos is no mans land, they are calling a group of people and their ancestors bastards. smh. Disrespectful pple.

Amaka said...

She has said it all.

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