“Remove That Igbo” — Isaac Fayose Sparks Outrage with Controversial Comment on Nigeria’s Ethnic Makeup

Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has drawn sharp criticism online after a controversial statement where he questioned the inclusion of the Igbo ethnic group in what he described as Nigeria's “founding tripod.”

In a video clip now circulating widely across social media platforms, Fayose is heard saying:

“They said Nigeria belongs to Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba — but that’s a lie. Remove that Igbo, stop including them.”

The remark has ignited a firestorm of backlash, with many Nigerians accusing Fayose of ethnic bigotry, historical distortion, and deliberate provocation at a time when the country is grappling with heightened ethnic and political tensions.

From political commentators to ordinary citizens, many have condemned Fayose’s comments as irresponsible and divisive, especially coming from someone with a strong political background.

“How does a man from a political family openly say this and think it’s okay?” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is why Nigeria can’t move forward — we have people trying to erase others from the national fabric,” another user added.

Historically, Nigeria’s foundation has been largely referenced as being built on the three major ethnic groups: Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. These groups have played key roles in Nigeria’s independence movement, governance, and development.

Analysts say Fayose’s statement is not just incorrect, but also a dangerous attempt to rewrite Nigeria’s national identity for political or personal motives.

“You can’t erase a people’s history just because you disagree with them politically,” said Professor Ifeanyi Umeh, a political historian. “This rhetoric feeds tribal division.”

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Fayose political family, including his brother Ayo Fayose, who is a prominent PDP figure. Critics are calling for Isaac Fayose to either clarify, apologize, or face public accountability for his remarks.

In the wake of the controversy, several advocacy groups and civil society organizations have urged Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling and focus on building national cohesion.

“Nigeria belongs to over 250 ethnic groups. Reducing the country to three — and then trying to remove one — is both ignorant and inflammatory,” said the group Citizens for United Nigeria in a statement.

While Isaac Fayose is no stranger to controversial takes, many believe this latest statement crosses a dangerous line. As Nigeria approaches key political and economic milestones, calls are growing for responsible leadership and rhetoric — not the kind that deepens the cracks already threatening the nation's fragile unity.