It has become common knowledge that most Igbo parents object to inter tribal marriages.
Even as traditions are gradually going into extinction, some Igbo parents still refuse to give their blessings to any child who wishes to marry from a different tribe.
However, a Nigerian Doctor has shed more light on the issue as he disclosed reasons for this tribalistic behaviour on Twitter.
According to @urchilla01, many of these Igbo sages who witnessed the civil war and horrors inflicted on their tribe by other ethnic groups swiftly came to the conclusion not to marry outside their tribe.
He tweeted;
“I’m tired of seeing people express disgust when they read stories about igbo parents rejecting marriages for their children to other tribes! I’m really tired of it! These parents are the ones that experienced the civil war! These parents are the ones that grew up in the deep hatred & divide that followed the war, fostered by other tribes!
“Stop blaming them for rejecting inter-tribal marriages! They have the right to the paranoia that they express! If you’re lucky to have an igbo person whose parents don’t mind, or who’s strong enough to fight for both of you, then thank God for you; but by all means stop blaming these parents!
“Again, it’s obvious there’s a lot of difference in traditional beliefs & practices between the different tribes of Nigeria! The way marriage is patterned in Nigeria, you’re not only getting married to your spouse, you’re also getting married into or to their family!
“Don’t blame them for taking care to ensure they have in-laws who have the same values as them! Please dead this criticism, it’s all so cliche now! Also, if you’re dating someone, discuss these things!
“Don’t wait till after 6 years of courtship & realise the family don’t want another tribe! Stop shooting yourselves in the damn foot! Urrggghh!
“A lot of comments here just show that you people don’t understand that marriage is an “institution”. You think it’s just to find one person your heart is doing kikum kikum for & rush to altar E go shock you”
His tweets have generated controversy on the popular bird app as many have accused him of ethnic bigotry.