Itsekiri People Of Delta State Bear Yoruba Names—Lere Olayinka On Nyesom Wike Being Igbo
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has addressed claims that Wike is of Igbo origin. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Olayinka dismissed these assertions by drawing a parallel with the Itsekiri people of Delta State, who bear Yoruba names but are not considered Yoruba.
Olayinka explained that while Itsekiri people often have Yoruba-sounding names such as Omagbemi, Omatseye, Ebieshuwa, and Omawumi, Yoruba people do not claim the Itsekiri as part of their ethnic group. He used this example to argue against labeling Wike as Igbo based solely on his name or other perceived associations.
His post, which appeared to be a direct response to online discussions about Wike's ethnicity, stated:
"Itsekiri people of Delta State bear Yoruba names like Omagbemi, Omatseye, Ebieshuwa, Omawumi, etc. But the Yoruba people are not claiming that the Itsekiri are Yoruba because we plenty reach."
Olayinka’s comment underscores the complexity of ethnic identities in Nigeria, where cultural overlaps exist due to shared history, migration, and linguistic influences. This issue has sparked conversations about identity and how Nigerians define their ethnic affiliations, especially in a diverse and multi-ethnic country like Nigeria.
The post appears to reiterate the stance that Nyesom Wike, despite bearing a name that might suggest an Igbo origin to some, identifies with his Riverine heritage rather than the Igbo ethnic group. The comment also highlights the broader debate on ethnicity and identity in Nigeria, which continues to be a sensitive and occasionally divisive topic.