“Igbo People Did Not Migrate from Jews” — Anthropologist

A leading Nigerian anthropologist has dismissed long-held claims that the Igbo people migrated from the Jews, describing the idea as unsupported by linguistic or historical evidence. Speaking at the inaugural Annual Lecture of the Chess Conclave Section of the Enugu Sports Club, retired University of Nigeria professor Jazzy Ezeh said the theory persists largely because origin stories tend to be shaped by belief rather than verifiable facts.

Ezeh told the gathering that comparative analysis between Hebrew and Igbo shows no genealogical connection. “For you to claim that any two languages are related, the lexicons must correspond in origin, sound and meaning,” he said. “When you examine Hebrew and Igbo in that light, the relationship simply isn’t there.”

He explained that Hebrew is part of the Afro-Asiatic language family, which in West Africa includes Hausa and about two dozen others. “This is not a matter of sentiment,” he said. “The scientific evidence places Hebrew alongside Hausa, not Igbo. If belonging to Hebrew offers any advantage, then it accrues to the Hausa.”

Ezeh also challenged claims linking Igbo and Jewish identity through circumcision practices. Some writers, he noted, argue that because both groups circumcise males, they share a common origin. Ezeh rejected the comparison outright. “Average Nigerian cultural groups practise circumcision,” he said. “Are we then saying all Nigerians are Jews? The Igbo rite was traditionally a passage into adulthood, while Jewish circumcision is done on the eighth day. These are not the same practice.” He added a personal reflection: “My father told me he was circumcised as an adult.”

The anthropologist further cautioned that the many narratives about Igbo origins remain unproven. “Creation stories are always subjective,” he said. “They reflect the worldview of a group rather than historical certainty.”

Guests at the event echoed the call for clarity about Igbo heritage. Chair of the lecture and former Anambra Chief Judge, Peter Umeadi, said the essence of Igbo identity is visible in language, culture and dress. “No one can deny the distinctiveness of the Igbo people,” he said. “Wherever they settle, they stand out for resilience and hard work.”

Captain of the Chess Conclave Section, Chukwuemeka Onyesoh, said the lecture aimed to correct widespread misunderstandings about Igbo history. “A people without knowledge of their past are like a tree without roots,” he said. “If we fail to remember our history, we risk repeating its mistakes.” He urged Igbos to continue documenting their heritage. “Every Igbo person has a duty to insist on who we are and to publicise the proud past of our nation without apology.”

Enugu Sports Club chairman Ifeanyi Nweke welcomed participants and praised the organisers, calling the topic timely and necessary for strengthening cultural awareness.