Photo : AFP
Igbo-Ora, a small town in southwest Nigeria, is often recognized for its remarkable population of twins. While the global average birth rate for twins hovers around 12 per 1,000 births, studies and hospital records suggest that in Igbo-Ora, this figure is closer to an astonishing 50 per 1,000. The town's unique distinction has garnered international attention, and over the weekend, the residents celebrated their identity with a vibrant festival dedicated to twins.
Visitors to Igbo-Ora may initially be taken aback by the sight of numerous pairs of residents dressed in matching outfits. However, this weekend's festivities left no doubt about what makes this town special. With joyful parades, talent shows, and even a royal visit from Yoruba king Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle—who himself is a twin—the event brought together hundreds of people who proudly proclaimed Igbo-Ora as the "twins capital of the world."
"There’s hardly a family here in Igbo-Ora that doesn’t have a twin," noted Oba Olugbenle during the celebration. The Yoruba culture places great significance on twins, with traditional first names assigned based on birth order: Taiwo for the first-born, meaning "one that tastes the world," and Kehinde for the second-born, meaning "one that came after."
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The phenomenon of twins in Igbo-Ora is especially notable within the wider Yorubaland region, known for its above-average incidence of non-identical twins, as confirmed by population experts. While explanations for the town's high twin birth rate vary, many locals attribute it to their diet, particularly the consumption of okra leaf or ilasa soup with yam and amala (cassava flour). Fertility experts, however, express skepticism regarding the link between diet and twin births, stating that scientific evidence supporting such a connection is lacking.
Researchers are currently exploring potential genetic factors that may contribute to this phenomenon, as well as the cultural significance of twins in the community. The cultural status of twins might influence their ability to find partners and subsequently have children.
Despite the varying theories, the townspeople unanimously agree that the abundance of twins is a blessing, particularly in light of Nigeria's ongoing economic challenges. Suliat Mobolaji, who gave birth to twins eight months ago, expressed her joy, stating, "It's changed my life. You can't give birth to twins and remain down on your luck. It's a gift from God."
Taiwo Ojewale, a research assistant specializing in Yoruba culture at the University of Ibadan, emphasized that the celebration of twins is deeply rooted in traditional religious beliefs. Twins are regarded as gifts from the supreme deity, Olodumare, and the town’s oral history suggests that their presence is a reward following a series of calamities that befell the community in the past.
The festival atmosphere was one of pure jubilation as it kicked off on Saturday. Attendees were greeted with a red carpet rolled out for the many twins, young and old, who paraded in stylish matching outfits. From chic sunglasses to toddlers in identical purple dresses with matching handbags, the sight was a heartwarming tribute to the town's unique identity.
The festival's organizers, who are also twins, expressed aspirations to set a world record for the largest gathering of twins in the future. Additionally, Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, both 39, hope to organize a mass wedding for twin couples next year.
"Twins bring favours, fame, and wealth," Taiwo said. "That's why we Yoruba celebrate their birth, and perhaps that’s why God blessed us in Yorubaland with the highest number of twins in the world." The Oguntoye twins nodded in agreement, showcasing the strong communal bond and cultural pride that defines Igbo-Ora
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