The truth is, Yoruba men get a lot of bad PR. I’m not saying they’re not guilty of being “Yoruba demons” but igbo men are not angels either. It’s even worse when you’re dating the “typical” Igbo man. If you come across a “typical” igbo man and your values don’t align with his… please run. The best part of these men is that they don’t hide their true colours. It’s laid out for you to see. Here are some behaviours of a “typical” igbo man.

1. A typical igbo man is miserly. Igbo men are naturally wealth creators and can be very frugal. This is supposed to be a good trait because “proper wealth management” until you want that 20 inches wine colored bone straight worth 325k from @Hairbyginika (which he can very much afford), for Valentine’s Day and he asks you “how much is a bag of cement?”. Although if you ask for 5 times that amount to start your own hair business (or a cement business), he’d be happy to support. If you’re the type who likes to get “spoilt”, go shopping, go on trips, etc., don’t even bother. I once met one who told me “traveling round the world is a waste of money and time. Who will stay in the shop to monitor my boys when I’m busy going around from place to place? What do they have, that we don’t have here?”. A typical igbo man does not have money to “splurge”. Wastage is a sin.

2. A typical igbo man is Proud. What do you expect from a man who comes from the number 1 tribe in Nigeria? A man whose ancestors fought in the Nigerian-Biafran war has to be proud because WHY NOT?. However, we all know what they say about pride and a fall. A man with a big ego is a red flag. He can never see his shortcomings or wrongdoings. I know a man who would piss his wife off in the morning and later come home with barbecued fish to “appease” her. He will never open his mouth to apologize. A classic Igbo man finds it difficult to accept that he has done wrong. If it looks like he might’ve have been at fault he would rather manoeuvre the situation by “buying fish” or in any case, finally saying “yes” to that request you’ve been begging for, for weeks (which by the way, he still thinks is silly). Anything to please you and make you forget that he has wronged you, I guess. This is the best time to demand for that 20inches bone straight; he will finally buy it for you.

3. A typical igbo man is a “mummy’s boy”. I know you’ve heard this before and I’m telling you with my full chest that it is true. As a matter of fact, there’s an igbo slang for them “mma-anyi si” which translates to “my mummy said”. First off, if you’re not igbo and you’re dating a typical igbo man who’s a mummy’s boy, don’t bother thinking of marriage. It’s not going to happen, just do it for fun because his mummy will not let it happen and even if it does happen, prepare to suffer. I mean, even some people frown against marriage to women outside their community, example; an Anambra man will not be advised to marry an imo state woman for very dumb reasons. His mum can say “her village is too far”. Then think of you, who’s from Ondo state. Dey play.

4. A typical igbo man is strong headed, stubborn, strong willed (you name it). This is a horrible trait for a partner to have and sadly that’s how they are. They don’t have ears so they can’t hear your complains or suggestions- even when it comes to things that benefit them. They believe in themselves so much that they don’t care about the consequences. If a typical igbo man believes that it is daytime, he doesn’t care if the stars are dancing in the sky, or if the moon is upon his roof. He believes it is morning, his word is the gospel. Don’t bother trying to convince him otherwise.

5. A typical igbo man is not your regular affectionate man. Nigerian men generally find it hard to be vulnerable, lovey-dovey, touchy-feely. Why should a “titled man” kiss you in public? Why should he tell you “I love you” infront of his fellow Odogwus. It can’t be possible. All those things should be left at home, in the bedroom. If you’re lucky to put him in a good mood, the best you can get is “Omalicha” or “Nwanyioma”. A typical igbo man would most likely call his girlfriend “nne” which translates to “mother” or “nwa” which translates to “child”. It’s no wonder our Igbo daddies call our mums “Mama Chinaza” and “Mama Ifeanyi”.

Before you come for my 14 inches wavy hair from @Hairbyginika, which my Odogwu got for me last Christmas, please note that I do not have anything against my brothers, Igbo men. I laid emphasis on the word “typical”. I have a general problem with people who are conventional because most times, they are myopic. It’s good to have an identity as a person but it’s also important to stretch beyond the shores of what you’re used to because only then can you see life from a different Point of View.

In conclusion, if your values do not align with a “typical” igbo man, it’s best to jump ship. There are women who love them that way and can deal with their excesses, perhaps their fellow traditional igbo women. I promise you, they’re normally a perfect match. They go like bread and butter.