The Real Enemy of Nigeria: Tribal Politics, Ethnic Hatred and the Failure to Unite

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. More than six decades after independence, the country remains shackled (not by external forces or faulty governance alone) but by a deeply entrenched, corrosive enemy within: tribal politics, ethnic hatred and the persistent failure to forge genuine unity. This is the real disease crippling Nigeria’s potential.

For decades, political discourse has revolved around the presidency, government policies and economic management. Yet, these are mere symptoms not the root cause of Nigeria’s malaise. The real disease is a collective mindset rooted in ethnic insecurity and sabotage, the toxic belief that “if it’s not my tribe, it can’t be trusted.” Until this insidious mentality is confronted head-on and eradicated, no amount of political restructuring, constitutional amendments or economic reforms will salvage the Nigerian project.

The Peril of Tribal Politics
Tribalism in Nigeria is not merely an identity marker; it is a weapon wielded to divide, marginalize and manipulate. It poisons the political landscape, turns governance into a zero-sum game and sows seeds of mistrust among Nigerians. As political scientist Prof. Akin Oyebode of the University of Ibadan once remarked, “Nigeria’s greatest threat is the refusal of its people to see each other as compatriots rather than competitors.”

The statistics paint a grim picture. According to the 2022 Afrobarometer survey, over 70% of Nigerians identify strongly with their ethnic group rather than the nation as a whole. This fragmentation undermines national cohesion and fuels competition for resources, appointments and political influence along ethnic lines. Instead of uniting for the common good, Nigerians often retreat into parochial enclaves, fostering resentments that ignite violence and conflict.

The tragic consequences are evident in the repeated cycles of communal clashes, such as the persistent violence in the Middle Belt and the ethno-religious tensions in the North-East. The Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herder conflicts are often exacerbated by ethnic and religious fault lines, reflecting the deep societal fractures.

Ethnic Hatred: The Poison That Destroys
Ethnic hatred fuels a dangerous paranoia, convincing groups that their survival depends on dominating others. This paranoia manifests in exclusionary politics and discriminatory practices, as communities jockey for power and control. The political elite exploit these fears for electoral gain, often by stoking ethnic antagonism.

Dr. Chido Onumah, a respected Nigerian journalist and analyst, emphasizes that “ethnic hatred is the cancer eating away at the soul of Nigeria. It creates suspicion where there should be trust and erects barriers where bridges are needed.”

This has led to the rise of separatist agitations such as Oduduwa Republic in the Southwest, Biafra in the Southeast, Niger Delta militancy and calls for Arewa autonomy in the North. While the grievances behind these movements are often legitimate (ranging from political marginalization to economic neglect) the common denominator remains ethnic distrust and the failure to see Nigerians beyond tribal affiliations.

Why Unity Is Nigeria’s Only Way Forward
Nigeria’s diversity is its greatest strength if harnessed correctly. The vast cultural, linguistic and religious mosaic offers unparalleled opportunities for innovation, resilience and global influence. But unity is not just an idealistic slogan; it is a practical necessity for national survival.

Professor Claude Ake, the late Nigerian political economist, famously stated, “Nigeria is a complex society, but without unity, complexity becomes chaos.” He understood that the country’s multiplicity could only flourish in an environment where ethnic boundaries were transcended by a shared national identity.

The failure to build such unity has led to a “balkanization” of the Nigerian psyche. As ethnic mistrust deepens, Nigerians are essentially creating smaller “countries” within Nigeria (Oduduwa, Biafra, Niger Delta, Arewa) each pursuing its agenda at the expense of the whole. This fracturing weakens the country, making governance difficult and economic progress elusive.

Structural Reforms Are Insufficient Without Mindset Change
Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has undergone various attempts at restructuring: constitutional reviews, state creation, power devolution and federal character principles aimed at ethnic balance in appointments. Yet, these structural changes have failed to eradicate ethnic politics.

Why? Because these reforms address symptoms but not the disease. Restructuring cannot heal minds poisoned by tribal suspicion and hatred. No constitution or law can force people to abandon their fears and prejudices.

As Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), observes: “You cannot legislate unity into existence; it must grow from the people’s hearts.”

The solution lies in deliberate, sustained efforts to build national consciousness. Education systems must promote Nigerian history and values that emphasize unity in diversity. Civic education must confront ethnic stereotypes and promote mutual respect. Political leaders must champion national interest over tribal loyalties.

Voices from Within: Calls for Unity and Healing
Across Nigeria, thought leaders and citizens alike have called for an end to ethnic divisions.

Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, has repeatedly warned: “Nigeria is at war with itself, but the real war is in the minds of its people. Until we kill the demon of ethnic hatred, peace will remain elusive.”

Similarly, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka noted: “Tribalism is the enemy of progress in Nigeria. The nation’s destiny depends on the willingness of its people to rise above ethnic particularism.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, despite controversies, acknowledged this in 2021 when he said, “We must learn to see ourselves as Nigerians first and members of ethnic groups second.”

Yet, words alone are insufficient. Nigerians must act by rejecting tribal politics in elections, promoting inclusivity in governance and cultivating inter-ethnic cooperation in everyday life.

The Way Forward: Healing the Nigerian Mind
True progress demands confronting uncomfortable truths about identity and loyalty. It requires honest self-reflection and collective commitment to change.

Educational Reform: Curriculum must emphasize national heroes, history and values that unite rather than divide. Early education should teach children to appreciate Nigeria’s diversity as an asset.

Political Accountability: Politicians must be held accountable for stoking ethnic tensions. Electoral reforms should discourage ethnic vote-banking and promote issue-based politics.

Media Responsibility: Media houses and social platforms must combat hate speech and misinformation that inflame ethnic divisions.

Community Engagement: Grassroots initiatives that promote dialogue and cooperation among ethnic groups should be supported and scaled up.

Inclusive Economic Development: Addressing economic inequalities that fuel ethnic resentment is critical. Development programs must be fairly distributed and designed to bridge ethnic divides.

Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s greatest enemy is not geography, resources or governance alone. It is the fractured mindset of its people and the tribal politics, ethnic hatred and failure to unite. Until Nigerians confront and heal this mental disease, the nation will continue to fracture into smaller entities, each echoing the same broken mentality.

The challenge before Nigeria is clear: to build a new Nigerian identity that transcends tribe, religion and region; to forge unity from diversity; and to place the nation’s interests above ethnic loyalties. This is the only path toward peace, progress and a truly prosperous Nigeria.

As George Omagbemi Sylvester writes, “We can rebuild our country’s institutions, but unless we rebuild the Nigerian mind, we will be trapped in an endless cycle of division and decay. The real battle for Nigeria is fought in the hearts and minds of its people.”

US-Based Society Lady, Ayoola Fehintola-Brat Donates Medical Kits To Age-Groups

A United States based cultural ambassador who doubles as the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile-Ijebu, Chief (Amb) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has donated medical kits to age-groups, otherwise known as Regberegbe in Ijebuland.

The blood pressure monitor was distributed to all Regberegbes during the just concluded Ojude Oba 2025 celebration.

According to the donor, Fehintola-Brat said the donation was aimed to enhance people’s care and also support the government drive in improving healthcare services.

In a letter dated May 30, 2025 personally signed by Balogiun Ayoola Fehintola-Brat and addressed to the President, Ijebu Regberegbe Council, she disclosed that, “I am pleased to donate a high-quality medical kit containing a Blood Pressure Monitor to the secretariat of the Regberegbe Council and to each Regberegbe group under your distinguished.

The initiative is driven by my commitment to promoting health and wellbeing across the various Egbes, with a focus on preventive care., through regular check ups and early detection measures. We aim to significantly reduce avoidable health complications and mortality” She concluded.

Otunba Folorunso Ogunleye set for Folusoomosebi Care Foundation Launch, urges phillathropist to support the needy

 

Otunba Folorunso Samson Ogunleye, a reputable engineer who has been a bridge builder and also trained, mentor, sponsore many young and promising future leaders in engineering world is set to look into hospitality sector as a special guest of honour at Folusoomosebi Care Foundation launch.

He is set to embark on a new campaign to inspire philanthropic support for the needy.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, he revealed that part of his initiative was to partner with reputable media organizations aimed at enhancing visibility for his mission.

According to him, life will be better when everyone has a decent place to live, so i am willing to join the moving train to solve issues, including poverty reduction, good health care, child molestation and trafficking and also engage in community parenting.

“It is also good to honor individuals, politicians, and business leaders who have made significant contributions to better the community” He affirmed.

Otunba(Engr.) Folorunso Ogunleye, an indigene of Erijiyan Ekiti in Ekiti State, is a graduate of Yaba college of Technology, where he bagged OND and HND in Electrical Engineering, PGD in Electrical Engineering with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and he equally bagged MBA in marketing in the same University.

Folorunso started his career with Debol oil Nigeria limited as a supervisor in 1989 and later moved to Vanleer containers Nigeria Plc, now Greif Nigeria Plc as Electrical Supervisor and rise to the position of Electrical Superintendent. He later join Econet Nigeria wireless, one of the Nigeria leading Telecommunication companies in 2003 as a Field Engineer. He worked with Econet throughout the transition period of the company to V-mobile, Celtel, Zain, and Airtel before moving to Ericsson Nigeria in 2009 and during this period, he was transferred to South Africa as an expatriate between 2015 to 2016. In October 31st 2017, he left Ericsson to join Safari Telecom as General Manager and in 2019.

Going further, he left Safari Telecom to Tyllium Nigeria, one of the Telecom support companies as Deputy Head of Operations and later became Director of Operations. He was later moved to Sales department as a Key Account Director owing to his multi-task experience in Technical and Commercial business unit.

 

Folorunso Ogunleye, the C.E.O of Folsam Group of companies, who patroned several social club also bagged chieftaincy titles from reputable towns in Ekiti, he is the Otunba Fiwajoye of Erijiyan Ekiti, Otunba Bobagunwa of Ilogun Ekiti, Baba Isale Ijo St Paul Anglican Church Erijiyan Ekiti and Baba Ewe Anglican church, Ikogosi Ekiti, all in Ekiti State of Nigeria.

 

Otunba Folorunso Ogunleye is a member of the following professional bodies such as Nigeria Society of Engineers – FNSE, Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria – COREN, Member Nigeria Institute of Management – MNIM, Member Nigeria Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers – FNIEEE, Member Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers, London – MIEEE, London, Fellow Nigeria institute of Research and Administrative – FNIRA and Fellow Institute of Professional Entrepreneurs and Strategic Administrators of Nigeria – FIPESA

He is married to his wife Chief Mrs Ademidun Ogunleye JP and the marriage is blessed children.