Nigeria Ooni of Ife Links Igbo Heritage to Ile-Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has asserted that the Igbo race originated from Ile-Ife, presenting documented evidence to support this claim. Speaking ahead of an International Conference on 'Ile-Ife and Yoruba Civilization: Nexus between Tradition and Modernity' at his palace in Ife, the monarch urged scholars to accurately document Yoruba history instead of relying on biased accounts.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi emphasized the historical connection between the Igbo people and Ile-Ife, pointing to the presence of Ile-Igbo within the palace, which has existed for decades. He stressed the importance of comprehensive historical documentation to preserve the heritage for future generations

The Ooni's statement signifies a significant historical perspective, suggesting a shared ancestry between the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups in Nigeria, two of the country's largest and most prominent cultural communities. Proper documentation of these historical connections and heritage is seen as essential to fostering a better understanding of Nigeria's diverse cultures.