Mythmaking, Identity Formation and Ethnic Nationalism in Post-colonial Nigeria Through the Lens of Yoruba and Igbo Nationalism

ABSTRACT

Numerous accounts blame colonialism for the challenges to stability in multiethnic post-colonial states in Africa. The post-colonial state it is said, disrupted the homogeneous ethnic society, thereby sparking an intractable conflict between the two. One implication then, is the inevitability of conflict and instability, with suggestion of a return to default precolonial arrangement, or an “original position”, to disentangle the diverse ethnic identities artificially lumped together. Another argument seeks to leverage on the constructedness of ethnic identities as a basis for dismissing them and privileging the post-colonial state over its constituents. I problematise these arguments from both historical and philosophical viewpoints. Using the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups of Nigeria as fodder, I argue that mythmaking, though primordial, plays a significant role that is both constructivist and instrumental in the identity (re)construction process of ethnic groups. I conclude that social cohesion in post-colonial states requires a political framework that manages diversity through a free, other-regarding mode of dialogue as well as recognition of group rights, in a way that makes both the ethnic group and the state stable, yet open to constant renegotiation.

Acknowledgment

This work is based on the research supported by the National Research Foundation of South Africa (Grant Number 99188, SARChI Chair in Identities and Social Cohesion in Africa, Nelson Mandela University). Opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this work are those of the author alone and the NRF accepts no liability whatsoever in this regard.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 Orania is a South African town populated by Afrikaners who wish to retain their group identity, autonomy, and are committed to pursuing Afrikaner self-determination.