Captivating facts about Igbo Ora, Nigerian tribe with multiple twin births

This post documented by News360 Nigeria explores the rich history of twin births in Igbo Ora community of Oyo State, Nigeria.

In Nigerian cultures today, twins are unique individuals, the Yoruba, among other tribes, have a difficult history with twins.

They frequently associate twins with bad luck, which leads to the murder of the twins in general and their mothers in particular.

Many Nigerians and foreigners expressed strong opposition to this inhumane practice.

Mary Slessor, a Scottish missionary, is a well-known figure in Nigeria for her selfless efforts to combat and successfully prevent the killing of twins.

Igbo Ora, a tiny village in Oyo State, Nigeria, is one of the communities in Nigeria that have since witnessed the quantum birth of twin and multiple births in their immediate surroundings.

History of Igbo Ora twin birth

Igbo Ora is a small community in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area, Oyo State, in southwestern Nigeria.

Because of its exceptionally high twin and triplet birth rate, it has become well-known worldwide.

It is also referred to as the “twin capital of the world,” with an estimated four times higher twin birth rate than the world average.

This phenomenon is linked to the eating of “Ilasa,” a traditional Yoruba dish that is frequently consumed with amala, or yam flour.

Many myths surround the emergence of these twin births, which has piqued the interest of scientists and researchers worldwide regarding the phenomenon of twin births in Igbo Ora.

A natural hormone thought to stimulate the ovaries and increase the likelihood of multiple ovulation, as well as increased consumption of a local dish called Illasa, made from the leaves of the okra plant, are the reasons for the high rate of twin births in the Igbo Ora community.

These twins are considered as unique gifts and favors from nature; they are also considered as a wellspring of luck and a sign of better times to come.

The community holds families with twins in high regard, and since the twins are thought to be lucky, they are frequently given unique names and treated with great respect.

Myths about Igbo Ora twins

According to the Yoruba tradition, twins have a single soul, so when one of the babies passes away, the other baby’s soul is also at risk.

To remedy this, a unique ceremony is carried out, and a tiny wooden statue is molded to represent the twin who has passed away.

When both twins pass away, two carved statues known as “Ere Ibeji” are created and given to the parents of the departed twins in place of their own children.

Igbo Ora twin statue

Yoruba land is home to a large number of Ibeji statues as a result of this phenomenon, which is linked to the nation’s inadequate healthcare system and high rates of preterm births.

To commemorate this distinctive part of culture, there is also an annual “Igbo Ora Twins Festival.”

Visitors from all over the world came to the festival to take in the vibrant parades, customary dances, and other celebrations honoring the birth of twins.

A twin pair at Igbo Ora twins festival

Igbo Ora twins names

In this region of the world, the names given to twins are determined by their birth position and time of arrival.

Taiwo and Kehinde are the names given to them.

The first twin is named Taiwo, which means “having the first taste of the world.” Taiwo is believed to a messenger  to the one comes after him, the second twin.

The second twin, Kehinde, is regarded as the eldest since he arrived later after sending Taiwo as a messenger to observe the outside world before his arrival.

The Yoruba land still uses this naming system till today as twins are still called Taiwo and Kehinde.

Limitations

Despite the fascinating twin births that occur in Igbo Ora, the community faces a number of difficulties related to this high rate of multiple births.

These difficulties include inadequate and qualified healthcare services, needs for education, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of electricity, and financial constraints.

The government is working to address these issues and make sure that the distinct cultural heritage of the Igbo Ora community, which produces twins, is preserved for future generations in light of these setbacks.

Igbo Ora has distinguished itself from other Nigerian towns with its distinct identity and increased recognition due to its reputation as a twin-producing community.

Tourists choose to visit the town because of its exceptional fertility rate and rich cultural legacy.