It appears that the 73-year old rivalry between Ndigbo and Yoruba may have ended following the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Ohanaeze, Southeast Governors and Ministers as consensus candidate for the 2027 election.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the outcome of the annual Igbo Day Celebrations, themed “IGBO EKUNIE” (The Reawakening of the Igbo Spirit of Excellence and Enterprise), which commenced on Friday, 26th September, 2025, across the seven Igbo-speaking states.
The resolution of the celebration made available to the press was signed by Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa ,Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, Professor (Mrs.) Nneoma Ukpabi and Chief Jackson Omenazu on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
This joyous event culminated into a grand finale in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, 28th September, 2025, and was attended by dignitaries from all sectors of Nigerian society and members of the global Igbo diaspora, uniting in a resolute homage to their rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions.
In display of unity and reverence, interfaith prayers were held at the Afikpo Central Mosque in Ebonyi State on 26th September, 2025, followed by a Sabbath Divine Worship at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, Abia State, on 27th September, 2025, and culminating in a global church service at Jesus Sanctuary Ministries in Port Harcourt on 28th September.
Prayers were offered to God for the restoration of peace, security, divine providence, and spiritual healing for all of Igboland and for the souls of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in advancing the cause of the Igbo people, seeking atonement and enduring prosperity for our community, both domestically and in the diaspora.
During the grand finale in Port Harcourt, the reappraisal of Igbo political, economic, and social history was deliberated by the participants who reached consensus and adopted the following resolutions:
1. Resolution to end the 73-Year Igbo-Yoruba Rivalry: The unresolved misunderstanding among members of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which hindered the elevation of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to the position of Premier of the Western Region in 1952, initiated a bitter rivalry that has plagued both the Igbo and Yoruba peoples for over seven decades.
“The participants of the 2025 Igbo Day Celebrations hereby recommend bold steps towards reconciliation, advocating for an end to this longstanding strife in the best interests of Ndigbo.”
We emphasize the necessity of forging a new alliance with the Yoruba nation. The significant Igbo investments and economic footprint in Lagos and the Southwest are larger than the economies of numerous small African nations.”
The late Yoruba sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, exemplified bravery and unity by selecting Chief Philip Umeadi as his Vice Presidential candidate in the 1979 elections, a gesture that must inspire us to heal and collaborate.
2. The acknowledgment of the Igbo nation’s recognition of President Bola Tinubu’s government — which has made strides to favour the Igbo despite electoral opposition — we extend an earnest handshake of peace to Afenifere and other Yoruba leaders, affirming our commitment to end this 73-year rivalry.
3. Unwavering Support for President Tinubu’s Administration: Ndigbo recognizes and commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment and strategic efforts to strengthen the nation’s economy through the inclusion of Nigeria in the BRICS bloc. We commend his administration for addressing the long-standing infrastructural deficits plaguing our nation, and we acknowledge his dedication to resolving the prevailing insecurity in the Southeast, as well as the urgent need to rectify the region’s historically neglected infrastructure.
4. A Historic Turning Point for the Southeast:It is a notable fact that President Tinubu stands as the first Nigerian leader to prioritize the Southeast and the Igbo Nation, despite the region’s rejection of his candidacy in the 2023 elections. His attentiveness to road projects, infrastructure, and good governance signifies a clear deviation from previous administrations, which habitually neglected and strategically excluded the Southeast.
5. Applause for Umahi’s Infrastructural Masterpiece: Ndigbo wholeheartedly celebrate President Tinubu for his ambitious ₦5 trillion road project initiative in the Southeast, a move that has restored confidence and hope among our people. We also recognize the exceptional contributions of Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, whose impactful achievements have garnered applause throughout Nigeria. There is a resounding call from the Igbo community for Umahi to retain his ministerial position until 2031, accompanying President Tinubu’s tenure.
6. Support for Asiwaju President Tinubu’s Uninterrupted Presidency Until 2031: It is the unified decision of Ndigbo, in concert with Southeast governors and serving ministers, to suspend support for the opposition and rally behind President Tinubu’s government for a full eight-year term.
7. Demands for Strategic Development in Igboland:We call for the rapid release of funds designated for the construction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri standard gauge railway, a project recently approved by the Federal Government, which is paramount for the economic revitalization of the region.
8. Revitalization of Abandoned Igbo Projects: Ndigbo emphatically demand the resuscitation of critical initiatives, including the Enugu Coal Mine, the dredging of the Azumiri Seaport in Ukwa East, Abia State, and the restoration of the Ivo Dam, alongside the revitalization of other Federal Government facilities that have suffered neglect in the Southeast for decades.
9. Cultural and Language Preservation: The resuscitation of the Igbo language and culture is of utmost importance. We earnestly urge Southeast governors to establish world-class Igbo language studies and research centers at state-owned universities while advocating for the adoption of Igbo as the official language in all primary and secondary schools within Igboland.
10. Security Improvements: We note with cautious optimism the ongoing improvements in the security landscape of the Southeast, particularly following the dissolution of the Monday Sit-at-Home order. We commend the efforts of the Federal Police in their commitment to restoring security, stability, and peace to our region.
In conclusion, the outcomes of the 2025 Igbo Day Celebrations signify not merely the resolution of historical grievances but also encapsulate our collective aspiration for unity, development, and enduring collaboration. The path forward is clear: we are united, determined to forge alliances, and poised to embrace a future characterized by dignity, resilience, and renewed vigor.”