Breaking The Myth: Igbo Communities Openly Sell Land To Other Tribes

Dispelling the Misconception About Land Sales in Igbo Communities

Contrary to the circulating claim that the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria do not sell land to individuals from other tribes, traditional rulers, elders, and community leaders have debunked this notion as baseless propaganda. They assert that the Igbo are hospitable and accommodating, with no restrictions on land sales to non-Igbos who genuinely intend to invest and develop the region.

Igbo Communities Welcome Investors

The paramount ruler of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, refuted the claim, describing it as an attempt to tarnish the image of the Igbo. He noted that anyone with genuine intentions to invest is welcome to purchase land. According to him, “There is land available for anyone willing to invest in Igbo land. The narrative is a deliberate effort to blackmail the Igbo people.”

Similarly, the monarch of Nkaliki Echara Unuhu autonomous community in Ebonyi State, Ezeogo Sunday Oketa, emphasized that his community has sold land to various ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Yoruba, Idoma, and others. He highlighted the coexistence and peaceful relationships among these groups, stating, “We have Yoruba quarters and Hausa quarters in our community, where they own and manage their properties. Igbo land is open for business and investment.”

Evidence of Land Sales to Other Tribes

Several examples were provided to disprove the false narrative. In Ebonyi State, Hausa communities own large plots of land purchased decades ago, where they conduct business and live peacefully with the locals. Monarchs like Ezeogo Oketa pointed out specific cases, such as the sale of land to Alhaji Salusi, the chairman of the Cattle Sellers Association.

The leader of the Yoruba community in Abakaliki, Chief Adedeji Olatosi, shared his own experience, affirming that Igbo communities have sold him multiple plots of land. “I have lived in Ebonyi State for 50 years and have purchased several plots of land here. The Igbo are generous and often sell land at affordable prices if they trust your intentions,” he explained.

Misconceptions Rooted in Ethnic Propaganda

The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) also dismissed the claim, explaining that land sales are readily available to interested buyers as long as proper negotiations are conducted with rightful owners. Chief Emeka Diwe, National President of ASITU, stated, “The Igbo are the only Nigerians who invest across all regions without discrimination. If non-Igbos show genuine interest, they can acquire land here as well.”

Inter-Ethnic Harmony in Igbo Land

Beyond business, the Igbo have fostered strong relationships with other ethnic groups. Marriages between the Igbo and Hausa, as well as Yoruba, are common, showcasing the level of integration and trust among these communities.

Leaders like Alhaji Danladi Umar, head of the Hausa community in Ebonyi, praised the hospitality of the Igbo, emphasizing that many Hausas have made Igbo land their permanent home. “Some of us have lived here for over 70 years. We own land, businesses, and homes in Ebonyi. Igbo communities have embraced us as one of their own,” he remarked.

A Call to End Divisive Narratives

Community leaders and traditional rulers urge Nigerians to disregard divisive claims meant to incite ethnic tensions. Instead, they call for unity and mutual respect. Chief Adedeji Olatosi warned against political manipulation, saying, “Politicians must stop using ethnicity to create discord. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of its people.”

Conclusion

The narrative that Igbo people do not sell land to non-Igbos is unfounded. Evidence from across the South East reveals that land sales are open to all, provided buyers have genuine intentions. This openness reflects the Igbo community’s accommodating nature and their commitment to fostering unity in diversity.

By setting the record straight, Igbo leaders and stakeholders have shown that mutual trust and peaceful coexistence remain at the heart of their relationships with other ethnic groups.