The Sultan of Sokoto has issued a strong caution to Yoruba elders and political leaders, urging them to avoid statements or actions that could reignite ethnic tensions with the Igbo people.
His remarks, which have generated widespread discussion across Nigeria, revisited the historical realities of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
Speaking during a private gathering with northern and southwestern community leaders, the Sultan emphasized that it would be misleading to claim that Nigeria’s victory over Biafra was achieved solely through its own military strength.
“Let us be honest with history,” the Sultan stated. “Nigeria did not fight and defeat the Igbos alone. Britain, America, and several other world powers played critical roles in suppressing the Biafran resistance. On their own, no African nation could have defeated the Igbos in a direct war.”
He went on to praise the resilience and determination of the Igbo people, describing them as a community that has consistently demonstrated exceptional strength and endurance even under extreme conditions.
“The Igbos fought for nearly three years despite international blockades, limited food supplies, and minimal weapon access,” the Sultan continued. “No other African nation in history has withstood such pressure and survived for that long. It is why talk of fighting them again is not only reckless but historically ignorant.”
According to him, the civil war should be remembered not as a triumph of one region over another, but as a painful chapter that underscores the need for unity and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
The Sultan concluded by calling on all ethnic leaders, particularly within the Yoruba and Igbo regions, to prioritize dialogue, peace, and national cohesion over divisive rhetoric.
His comments have since stirred mixed reactions online, with some commending his honesty about Nigeria’s war history, while others argued that the issue should remain in the past to prevent reopening old wounds.
