Once upon a time in Nigeria, two powerful voices rose from two mighty regions — the South-West and the South-East. Each voice carried fire, passion, and the dream of liberating their people.
In the South-West stood Sunday Igboho, a man who believed the Yoruba Nation must stand on its own.
In the South-East stood Nnamdi Kanu, the loud force behind the Indigenous People of Biafra, popularly called IPOB.
Though they came from different regions, they shared the same idea — to free their people.
But they also shared the same weakness — they lacked the deep maturity, wisdom, and strategy required to pursue such a sensitive dream.
Not “school education,” but the education of vision, diplomacy, and leadership.
Instead of building bridges, they used threats.
Instead of dialogue, they embraced confrontation.
Instead of seeking peace, their words and actions stirred anger, division, and fear.
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But the two regions reacted differently…
In the South-West
The Yoruba people — from elders to youths — watched Igboho closely. Many of them quickly realized that the path he was pushing would bring more destruction than liberation.
About 80% rejected his approach.
They loved their land too much to follow a road that led to bloodshed.
Their refusal weakened the movement. The fire gradually went cold, and Igboho’s agitation faded into the background.
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In the South-East
The opposite happened.
Nnamdi Kanu was hailed as a saviour. With about 90% support, he gained wings, confidence, and a sense that he could do no wrong.
Even when his speeches provoked violence…
Even when young people were dying…
Even when the region was burning…
Many still praised him. Few could boldly criticize him. Some who tried were threatened or silenced.
And as the support grew, so did the chaos.
Innocent lives were lost. Businesses were destroyed. Communities became battlefields.
The region suffered — yet Kanu was still worshipped like a messiah.
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In the end…
Reality came like a heavy wind.
The same fire that was celebrated eventually burned the region.
The same words that drew applause destroyed unity and peace.
And finally, the law caught up with Nnamdi Kanu.
He now faces the consequences of choices made without wisdom.
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Moral Lessons
1. A loud voice is not the same as a wise leader.
Passion without wisdom leads people into danger.
2. A community that cannot question its leaders is preparing its own downfall.
3. Blind loyalty is dangerous — it can destroy a whole region.
4. True liberation never comes from violence, arrogance, or hatred.
5. Every movement needs strategy, patience, and dialogue, not emotional decisions.
6. When people refuse to learn from history, history will teach them painfully.
7. A leader should unite, not divide; build, not destroy.
By Zara Onyinye
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