Why Lagos Landlord Refused to rent house to Igbo
A recent tweet has ignited a fierce discussion on X, formerly known as Twitter, about tribalism in Lagos’s real estate sector. The tweet, from someone claiming to have faced rejection from six landlords due to being Igbo, has attracted significant attention, generating thousands of responses and retweets.
The initial tweet states: “The tribalism we accept on this platform has real-life repercussions. I’ve been turned away by six landlords in Lagos just because I’m not Yoruba. I was just rejected again minutes ago. In my hometown, our tenants come from various tribes. Just pay your rent and coexist peacefully.”
This tweet has triggered a wave of reactions, with many sharing their own stories and views. Some have come to support the Igbo community, while others recounted negative encounters with Igbo tenants.
One user suggested that landlords in Lagos avoid Igbo tenants due to a belief that they are “bad people,” sharing a narrative about their father’s experience with an Igbo tenant who allegedly failed to pay rent for over a year and ended up in court.
Another user echoed this sentiment, stating that many rent-related legal cases in Lagos involve Igbo tenants who allegedly refuse to pay and vacate. They referenced specific neighborhoods, including Okota, Isolo, Ejigbo, Amuwo, Ikotun, Alimosho, and Festac, as areas where these issues reportedly arise frequently.
Conversely, not all feedback on the tweet was critical of the Igbo community. A user identifying as Yoruba recounted their own experience of being rejected by landlords in Lagos due to their ethnicity, expressing disbelief and dismay at the extent of tribalism in housing. They suggested that landlords should evaluate potential tenants based on their financial stability and ability to pay rent rather than their ethnic background.
The ongoing debate has opened a broader discussion about tribalism and discrimination in Nigeria, with many calling for an end to such biases and emphasizing the need to treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their tribal identity.
As discussions on X continue, it is evident that the tribalism issue in Lagos’s housing market is intricate and varied. While some have highlighted adverse interactions with Igbo tenants, others stress the necessity of respectful treatment for all individuals. By sharing experiences and insights, Nigerians can strive for a more inclusive and respectful society.
