Ndigbo at a gathering
From Chukwuemeka Nnamdi Anthony Nwosu
When people claim that the word “Igbo” is a modern invention, one cannot help but feel a deep sense of disbelief. For those of us who have delved into the history, language, and culture of the Igbo people, such statements are not only unfounded but also dismissive of an ancient legacy that has stood the test of time. Unlike other names such as “Yoruba,” which emerged as a coinage from the Fulani term “Yariba,” or “Anioma,” a more recent acronym crafted by Chief Denis Osadebe to describe the Igbo people of Delta State, the name “Igbo” has ancient roots that stretch back centuries, if not millennia.
What “Igbo” Truly Represents
The name “Igbo” is not a mere label—it is an enduring identity steeped in meaning and history. For example, the name Igbuzor, a town in Delta State, is a shortened form of Igbo bi na Uzor, which translates to “Igbo dwell along the road.” Over time, this name was shortened to Igbuzor and eventually anglicized to Ibusa, a place of significant historical importance as the location where Mungo Park, the famed British explorer, met his end.
This evolution of names is not unique to Igbuzor. Across the southeastern and south-southern regions of Nigeria, countless towns and individuals bear “Igbo” as either a prefix or suffix in their names, signifying a shared cultural and ethnic affiliation. These names—like Umuigbo (Children of Igbo), Igbo-Ukwu (Great Igbo), and Obigbo (Heart of Igbo)—have existed for centuries, predating European contact.
The Igbo Across the Atlantic
The legacy of the Igbo name is not confined to Nigeria. During the transatlantic slave trade, Yoruba captives were often identified as Anonga people, while Igbo captives were labeled as Ebo or Ibo. Europeans struggled to pronounce the “gb” sound in “Igbo,” leading to the simplified forms we see today. This linguistic challenge even influenced the term Oyibo, which the Igbo used to describe white Europeans.
One of the most poignant examples of Igbo resistance and resilience is found in Igbo Landing in the United States, where a group of enslaved Igbo men and women chose death over bondage. United by their shared language, culture, and identity, they collectively walked into the sea rather than submit to enslavement. Their bravery left an indelible mark on history, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of the Igbo people.
The Evolution of Neighboring Identities
While names like “Yoruba” and “Ijaw” have evolved over time, “Igbo” has remained consistent. The riverine people of the Niger Delta were historically referred to as Jekiri, a term that evolved into Ishekiri (Itsekiri). Similarly, the Ijaw people were initially called Inaw before adopting their current name. From Gelegele to Bayelsa and Nembe, these shifts highlight the fluidity of cultural identity in the region.
In contrast, “Igbo” has endured, untouched by the tides of linguistic change. Its stability speaks to the deep roots of the Igbo identity, which has survived through centuries of external influence and internal evolution.
A Decentralized but Unified People
The Igbo people are unique in their preference for decentralized governance. Unlike the centralized kingdoms of the Yoruba or Hausa-Fulani, the Igbo historically organized themselves into independent towns and communities. Yet, despite this fragmentation, they always found ways to unite during times of need.
This structure is reminiscent of the ancient Greeks, who operated as independent city-states like Sparta and Thessaloniki but came together to defend their shared interests. Similarly, the Igbo rallied together in historic conflicts, such as the Igala-Igbo War in Nsukka and the Igbo-Ibibio War around the Arochukwu-Bende axis.
One notable town, Arochukwu, also known as Okigbo (meaning Heavy or Great Igbo), stands as a testament to the unity and strength of the Igbo people. This town, along with many others, has played a crucial role in shaping the Igbo identity over the centuries.
A Name Steeped in Pride and History
The enduring nature of the Igbo name is not accidental. It reflects a deeply ingrained pride and an unbroken connection to a rich heritage. The phrase “Igbo kwenu” (Igbo, agree) and its variations—”Igbo bu Igbo kwenu” (The Igbo that are truly Igbo, agree) and “Igbo kwezuonu” (Igbo, agree together)—are not modern inventions. These greetings have been part of Igbo culture for centuries, serving as rallying cries for unity and affirmation.
Even personal names like Igbokwe and Igboanugo, as well as ancient towns like Igbo-Etiti (Central Igbo) and Igbo-Akiri (Akiri that are Igbo), underscore the longevity and universality of the Igbo identity.
A Shared Legacy of Independence and Unity
The Igbo people’s decentralized structure did not weaken their identity—it reinforced their resilience. Like the ancient Greeks, the Igbo demonstrated that independence and unity could coexist. Their towns operated autonomously, but when faced with external threats, they came together to protect their collective interests.
This shared legacy of independence and unity is why the name “Igbo” has persisted through centuries. It is not a mere label but a profound expression of a people’s history, culture, and values.
In Conclusion
The name “Igbo” is more than a word—it is a living testament to the resilience, pride, and unity of a people who have thrived for millennia. From the ancient towns of southeastern Nigeria to the shores of Igbo Landing in the United States, the Igbo identity continues to shine brightly.
Dismissing the antiquity of the Igbo name is not just an error—it is an erasure of a rich and enduring heritage. Let us celebrate this legacy, for it is not just the history of a people—it is a story of strength, unity, and pride that resonates across generations and continents.
*Chukwuemeka Nnamdi Anthony Nwosu, is a Lagos based Media Executives
