Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has sparked nationwide controversy after declaring that Nigeria belongs only to the Hausa and Yoruba ethnic groups.
In a viral video making the rounds on social media, Fayose dismissed the long-standing belief that Nigeria’s unity rests on a tripod of Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
He claimed that the Igbos have been marginalized and not counted among the country’s dominant groups.
He stated: “They said Nigeria belongs to Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, but that’s a lie… take out that Igbo, stop including them because it’s a lie.”
The remarks have triggered widespread backlash, with many Nigerians accusing him of promoting ethnic hatred and fueling disunity.
Others, however, agreed with his statement, describing it as “an honest truth” about Nigeria’s politics.
Netizens Reactions…
@olaoluwasunnyman reacted: “Honest truth.”
@chefnoka said: “History will never forget you, brother. I’m not Igbo, but I love the way you speak and stand for the truth. We need it to move this nation forward.”
@newbilliy commented: “I’m Yoruba but an Igbo President will make Nigeria great. I love Igbo people and their business mindset.”
@beautyjunctiongh wrote: “God bless you, my brother, for saying the truth.”
@benedictoguama asked: “Where is Jonathan from?”
@daveiyke_donnegro stated: “@isaacfayoseoriginal_ God bless you Sir for speaking the truth. I wish other Nigerians can shun tribalism and unite for the progress of Nigeria. Tribalism us a tool against Nigerians and the unity of Nigeria. Politicians have weaponized tribalism which enables them thrive in continued political and socioeconomic incompetence.”
@realtundr4 added: “I agree with what you said, sir, but look at it, does igbo really have d right candidate? Obi is just chameleon to me he’s not real, neither do they have the leadership experience as our current president @officialasiwajubat, the one and only politician that have ever created more millionaires and successful individual in the whole nation. Make we leave hatred, JAGABAN na baba.”
@wellingtonisgreat commented: “@wellingtonisgreat said: “Nigeria belongs to everybody not hausa, yoruba, igbo, Benin have not been president before let us go? You dey talk anyhow.”
@richeart4u said: “Those that have been president, were they given free or charge? Was there a law that stopped Igbo man from being a president? How do people become a president? Or do you mean Igbo have never been allowed to contest for presidency? Same things goes to women too, why are women not hugely represented in all positions even presidency? No one is stopping anyone from becoming anything, you just have to change your strategy and alignment. You can’t be doing same thing over the years and not get the desired result and still want to stick to that failed pattern to achieve a new result. Igbo people and their candidate must be encompassing. Hausa has been aligning more to Igbo people to get whatever position they wanted and why are they not returning the favour hugely? Align to anyone that can boost your change of winning and be well accommodating and understanding the power of choices and politicking. I might be wrong 0000. Na ma small knowledge I take respond oooo.”
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