Illbliss Blasts Tribal Politics, Says Igbos Have Helped Build Lagos Economy

Nigerian rapper Illbliss has sparked fresh conversations about tribalism and national unity after condemning divisive remarks targeted at non-indigenes living in different parts of the country.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Outside The Box podcast, the rapper argued that Nigerians must become more accepting of people from other ethnic groups, warning that ethnic hostility continues to damage the country’s progress.

Using Lagos as an example, Illbliss pointed to the contributions of the Igbo community to commerce and economic growth in the state. According to him, many businesses and trading activities that drive the Lagos economy are heavily supported by Igbo entrepreneurs and residents.

“The Igbos have given a lot to the Lagos economy in terms of trade and commerce,” he said. “I wonder how this town will be if you told every Igbo man to leave.”

The rapper said he finds it disturbing whenever people make comments suggesting that non-indigenes should return to their states of origin. He described such statements as dangerous and backward, especially in a country that has existed as one nation for decades.

Illbliss also lamented the continued rise of tribalism, ethnic tension and religious intolerance across Nigeria, saying the country should have moved beyond those divisions long ago.

“We have no business being where we are as a country,” he stated. “We have no business not being accommodating of each other. But sadly, we are still plagued by tribalism, ethnic and religious divides.”

The music star further admitted that the persistent division in the country sometimes makes him question whether Nigeria should have existed as a single nation in the first place, a remark likely to trigger wider debate online and across political circles.

His comments come at a time when conversations around ethnicity, regional identity and political division continue to dominate public discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections.