Igbo Men vs Yoruba Men: Who Makes the Better Partner?

If love and romantic relationships was a battlefield, then in Nigeria, cultural/tribal stereotypes will definitely be the weapons and in Nigeria, while all tribes are subject to this challenge, the battle between who is the better man between Igbo and Yoruba is historical making it popular. 

So, in this article, we will be discussing about if what we have heard about these Igbo men and Yoruba men are true or just banter taken too far.

Now, in the Nigerian dating world, few topics sparks heated debates and humor and as stated before, one popular topic is the one between Igbo and Yoruba men. You will find a lot of personal stories shared by individuals that have experienced them, you will also find a number of funny memes and myths surrounding topics like “Who is a perpetual cheat?” “Who is boring””, “Who expects their women to pick up after them?”, “Who supports a woman’s dreams more?, “Who expects their woman to be on bended knees at midnight serving you pounded yam and egusi soup in silence?

Let’s compare both with transparency, honesty mixed with a little bit of pepper in “this soup”

1. Romantic Expression  

Yoruba Men: This set of men can “whine” you! If you wish to be flattered in words, get you a Yoruba man and you will not be disappointed. They are known to be very expressive romantically, writing you love poems, having really cute nicknames for you, having romantic slangs that has private meaning between you two. Now even with all these, please don’t be too carried away with their romantic flair, they are also known to shower these romantic expressions to multiple women simultaneously. So, make sure you pay attention to them beyond their romantic words to know if they really love you because they really do have something we love to call “sweet mouth”

Igbo Men: The phrase “Odogwu talk and do” does not exist for nothing!. While Igbo men are not as lyrical as a Yoruba man, they often show their love and affections by action, more specifically by taking care of you financially. It is well known that an Igbo man takes pride in his wife looking like the most beautiful and most expensively dressed woman in any occasion, so they spare nothing when it comes to spending lots of money on their wife to make sure that their wife wants for nothing and look very well taken care of. This included their physical appearances like skin care, Hair care/accessories, clothes, jewelries, shoes, bags but not limited to properties like cars, jet planes, lands, buildings, businesses etc.

Verdict: Based on the analysis above, if your love language is words of affection/affirmation, then Yoruba men might be the best choice for you but if your love language is gifts, then Igbo men are often known to deliver

2. Family and Marriage Expectations  

Yoruba Men: They are usually very committed to family traditions and culture but one thing we see in the newer generations is their willingness to be open to marrying outside their tribe. The traditional wedding is often filled with a lot of customs and traditions but often kept brief and straight to the point. One thing that is non-negotiable is that Yoruba elders and men love being greeted traditionally and respect is very important.

Igbo Men: They are also very committed to family traditions and then to not want to disappoint their family members by not doing what is expected of them by their family. Igbo men are known to go far and wide when delivering on their bride price and they are known in throwing elaborate, expensive weddings that it often seem like the Igbo men are trying to intimidate each other by making sure there weddings is more expensive than others.

Verdict: Both Yoruba and Igbo men are fiercely committed to their family members and traditions but the marriage process with Igbo men tends to be more complex, while Yoruba men may provide a somewhat easier route.

3. Support for Ambitious Women  

Yoruba Men: The newer generations of Yoruba men are known to want women that are career driven and goal oriented. They are known to encourage their wives to achieve more and climb the ladder of success in their chosen professions so they tend to be very supportive in that regards. You’re more likely to hear, “She’s my wife and also my boss.”  

Igbo Men: Igbo men get a lot of pride and self importance by being known as the “reason why their wives have money or financial stability. They are raised to be the primary bread winner in the family and will often feel emasculated if their wife starts making more money than them. Now not all of them are this way as the newer generations are getting modernized.

Verdict: Yoruba men generally hold the edge here—especially in modern circles —though if a modern , ambitious woman falls in love with an Igbo man, she might still be able to strive well in relationships with Igbo men with emotional insight.  

4. Money Matters  

Igbo Men: They are known to be trained to be the primary providers in their family, so for them, money symbolizes more than a source to provide food or good lifestyle. Money also symbolizes masculinity, love and security, so they do not take their investments and businesses for granted. They are known to be hustlers at heart.

Yoruba Men: Yoruba men are known to be very ambitious but they then to want to balance making money with enjoying their life. They are more inclined to play even harder.

Verdict: Both Yoruba men and Igbo men are known to be hard working but Igbo men are typically known to be long-term financial strategists while Yoruba men tend to want to enjoy their money in the present, of cos there are always exceptions to the rules.

5. Cultural Compatibility and Flexibility  

Yoruba Men: Yoruba men, in fact, Yoruba people in general are known to often “japa” to different parts of the world and adapt to their new environment and traditions better. This stems form the fact that they are very ambitious and are more willing to relocate and adapt to their new environment quickly so that they will be able to succeed as quickly as possible.

Igbo Men: Igbo men on the contrary might be less able to adapt to new environments as easily and quickly as Yoruba men. They then take pride in their identity, traditions, and language as they remain deeply rooted in their values.  

Verdict: Igbo men take pride in their traditions and custom and prefer to remain rooted in who they are regardless of where they relocate to while Yoruba men, proud of who they are but much more flexible and willing to adapt to their new environment

Final Thoughts

Who Wins?  There is no “one-size-fits-all” in this battle between “Yoruba men and Igbo men”. It depends heavily on what you value as being important in your partner. If you desire a partner who is verbally expressive, can easily adapt, then maybe a Yoruba man is the right man for you but if what you value is a partner that values being able to provide financially and not needing you to contribute financially, then an Igbo man might be your best match.  
In conclusion, not everyone will agree but I believe that tribal identity is just one aspect that determines success in your relationships. Other aspects includes good communication, character, and chemistry to build a very beautiful and stable relationship. So, don’t choose based solely on tribe—date the individual. Below is a screenshot of some women weighing in this topic

Also read: Japa and Heartbreak: How Nigerian Couples Are Coping With Long-Distance Love