In every society, the elders serve as the compass of communal direction—the custodians of wisdom and values, the moderators of conduct, and the custodians of intergenerational harmony. Against this backdrop, the time has come for leaders and elders of the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria to rise boldly, in the spirit of responsibility and heritage, and speak to their sons and daughters—home and abroad—about a pattern of conduct that is increasingly drawing ire, suspicion, and alienation across both the Nigerian federation and the international community.

This is not a call to suppress ethnic pride or deny historical grievances. It is, rather, an urgent appeal to recalibrate behaviour in line with the timeless Igbo virtues of respect for hosts, adaptive intelligence, dignity in conduct, and humility in strength. These traits have historically empowered the Igbo nation to succeed in diverse and often challenging environments. However, present trends suggest a disturbing shift—one marked by provocative conduct, inflammatory language, and an overt projection of ethnocentrism that undermines both individual opportunities and collective credibility.

Across Nigeria’s urban centres—from Lagos to Kano, Port Harcourt to Abuja—grievances are quietly swelling regarding the overtly domineering attitudes, name-calling, and cultural exportation that borders on insensitivity. Many host communities are growing increasingly weary of what is perceived as the importation of another kingdom into their indigenous domains. This unchecked ethnocentric arrogance, often expressed through social media, political commentary, and street-level interactions, is not only unbecoming but also strategically counterproductive.

To be clear, every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and prosper anywhere within the country. But that right must be exercised with cultural intelligence, civic decorum, and mutual respect. No ethnic group should insult its host or undermine the sensitivities of those who have welcomed them in trust. The unrestrained egocentrism, the caustic political narratives, and the hostile social media campaigns, especially from some quarters in the diaspora, are eroding years of goodwill and breeding an environment of silent retaliation.

The Igbo people have, for decades, been admired for their enterprise, brilliance, and resilience. But these sterling virtues are now being overshadowed by the behaviour of a vocal few whose rhetoric and conduct are dangerously polarising. It is, therefore, imperative for Igbo elders—traditional rulers, political leaders, clergy, captains of industry, and thought leaders—to urgently convene strategic cultural reorientation dialogues. These forums must serve not as platforms of ethnic lamentation, but of introspection and recalibration.

Let the message be clear and unambiguous: Insulting your host is not bravery; it is folly. Importing your kingdom to another man’s land without consent is not influence; it is provocation. Branding entire regions as enemies is not activism; it is sabotage. These are not paths to inclusion—they are expressways to isolation.

This admonition is not unique to the Igbo. Every ethnic group in Nigeria must guard against chauvinism. But when a particular group, no matter how industrious, begins to overplay its hand without tact or respect, the natural result is pushback—first locally, then nationally, and ultimately, globally. Already, doors are closing quietly, opportunities are shrinking stealthily, and sentiments are hardening across sectors and regions. The tide of rejection may not come with drums and declarations, but its effects will be deep and far-reaching.

Let wisdom prevail. Let elders take their rightful place. Let young people be taught that inter-ethnic coexistence requires not only rights but responsibilities. Let the South-East reclaim its moral authority—not by confrontation, but by character. In this new age of ethnic nationalism and digital overexposure, silence is not golden; it is a dereliction of duty.

Let this article not be misconstrued as a condemnation. It is, in fact, an act of love—an attempt to preserve the dignity and opportunities of a vibrant ethnic group standing at the precipice of national alienation. True leadership is not about echoing the sentiments of the crowd, but about guiding them toward reflection and correction.
The time to act is now.

Prof. Enikanselu wrote from Lagos.