THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: THE IGBO IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA POLITICS AND SOCIETY SINCE 1960

Abstract

The Igbo ethnic group has played a significant role in the political, social, and economic development of contemporary Nigeria. However, the history of the Igbo in Nigerian politics has been marked by a series of complex interactions, misunderstandings, and missteps that can be best described as a "comedy of errors." From the events leading to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) to their current status in national politics, the Igbo experience has been characterized by political marginalization, a struggle for resource allocation, and repeated failed attempts at political integration. This paper examines the historical, political, and social dynamics that have shaped the Igbo in contemporary Nigerian society. By analyzing their struggles for political power, the effects of military rule, and the continuing challenge of ethnic and regional divisions, the paper presents the Igbo journey as a tragicomic narrative of both resilience and frustration. Ultimately, this article seeks to explore the ironies, contradictions, and complexities in the Igbo quest for political relevance in contemporary Nigeria.