A History of the Igbo Separatist Movement in Nigeria, 1970 – 2015

Abstract

This thesis investigates the evolution of Igbo self-determination movements from the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) to the resurgence of separatist groups in the 21st century. It critically examines the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the Igbo quest for autonomy, focusing on the post-war period (1970-1990) and the emergence of movements such as the Ohaneze Ndi’gbo, Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This study closes a significant knowledge gap by challenging the prevailing notion that the Igbo separatist movement was monolithic, with uniform practices, goals, and organization. Instead, this research offers a thorough examination of the transformation in Igbo separatist ideology, from peaceful advocacy to more radical and militant approaches, highlighting the shifts and changes within the movement. The study employs a qualitative approach, drawing on archival sources, newsprint surveys, and digital media content to trace the historical trajectory of Igbo separatism. Oral interviews supplement the archival data by providing firsthand accounts of the internal dynamics within Igbo communities and the Nigerian government’s response to separatist demands. The analysis reveals that the post-war marginalization of the Igbo, coupled with economic disenfranchisement and political underrepresentation, set the stage for the revival of separatist movements. The findings highlight the contrast between Ohaneze Ndi’gbo’s diplomatic approach, MASSOB’s nonviolent approach and IPOB’s more confrontational tactics, especially in the digital age where social media played a crucial role in amplifying IPOB’s message globally. This thesis concludes that despite varying methods, these movements struggled to achieve tangible political gains, largely due to internal divisions, governmental repression, and the complex realities of Nigerian federalism.