Food Representation in inter-group identity labelling among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities: An analysis of ndi Ofemmanu and aJ’okuta ma m’omi labels of the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups in Lagos

Abstract

In Lagos, a predominantly Yoruba but highly urbanized city, food- offered by the different cultural groups inhabiting the city-has added to its colour and charm. The Igbo and Yoruba are two of the dominant ethnic groups in Nigeria co-habiting in the city. Years of interactions have led to the use of labels, often derogatory in nature, to describe each other. The Igbo often use the term ndiofemmanu (people of the oily soup), to show the typical lavish use of palm oil in Yoruba culinary techniques. On the other hand, the Yoruba describe the Igbo as aj’okuta ma m’omi (one who eats stone without drinking water), in reference to the texture of the carbohydrate or starchy meal associated with native Igbo soups. This research takes a detailed look at the interactions between the food culture of both the Yoruba and Igbo in Lagos, with a view to understanding the rationale for and impact of the food representations in the aspects of inter-group labelling between the two ethnic groups. The research employs ethnographic methodology, which consists of participant observations, oral interviews with key informants and the use of secondary sources such as books and journal articles. The paper concludes that despite the ethnic labelling through food representation among the two groups in Lagos, integration is smoother among the youth presently in Lagos compared to the older generations in time past.