Take a look at the map below. We’re not in physically in Anambra. We’re physically in Kogi. A mighty River separates us. Do you see the mighty River Niger and Ilushi in Edo State at the other bank? They’re our blood brothers. Nzam too. (And Okpanam on the other bank in Delta)
Below is a bit of our history recorded by Prof Adiele Afigbo. And also other bits about our culture (the yam barn is mine).
Even now we refer to other Igbos as “Igbos.”
They are too intelligent, too cunning and live a hardscrabble existence in contrast to our laid back culture- ofe nsala with fresh fish, ogogoro (supplied from the Ijaws down the River Niger).
Just like our brothers in Anioma in Delta State who availed themselves of the whiteman’s education first and preferred the civil service and learned to “wear the top hat and drink tea.”
In the days gone by you could hardly marry Igbos (for fear their women would dominate us, tbh). In our local myths, Igbo women have a reputation for being hard and domineering, especially Owerri women. Ngw? Mbaise? Might well be Hausa (anyone beyond Nsukka (lol).
You see, Igbos are viciously competitive amongst themselves indeed so competitive they would make fun of towns considered to be lagging behind. I remember a popular song about Okigwe in the 70s: “Obodo nine emepesigo ofodu so Okigwe. Eze Okigwe amaro akwukwo...” (everywhere has developed except Okigwe. The King of Okigwe is uneducated..).
They disparaged Anam as too simple and backward (we probably were according to their very high standards- don’t worry, we’ve since caught up). In the 50s, 60s and 70s towns competed fiercely and contributed funds to send their children to England -Oxbridge, LSE, America, etc.
Anam, Anioma, Onitsha, Ogbaru, etc, are cut from a different cloth. The truth is that we are not as hardworking and are very fearful of being dominated by the Igbotics- Abia, Imo, Mbaise, etc. Fear them! (Lol). (Luckily for us in Anambra, we had the Nnewis etc to guide us).
And for this lack of ability to compete we sought refuge in the “Igbos are crass and domineering” narrative. This is the crux.....
Editors Source https://www.ojamedia.com/2021/02/identity-for-non-igbo-igbos.html
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