Erica Nlewedim Stands Firm Amid Igbo Language Criticism, Calls for Unity
Erica Nlewedim, actress and ex-BBNaija contestant, recently faced backlash after a video surfaced showing her struggling to speak Igbo, her ancestral language. The clip quickly circulated online, triggering a storm of disparaging remarks—especially from members of the Igbo community.
Many commentators ridiculed Erica’s grasp of the language, some even resorting to harsh insults and questioning her cultural identity. However, instead of retreating, Erica responded decisively, using her social media platform to address the negativity and highlight a deeper issue within her ethnic group.
Through a series of candid tweets, Erica accused parts of the Igbo community of harboring a form of internalized disdain, urging them to reconsider their approach to cultural pride and inclusiveness.
“Seeing how some of my own people respond with hatred toward their own is heartbreaking,” she wrote. “Keep tearing each other down, but don’t expect love from outsiders when you’re divided amongst yourselves.”
Replying to a user who made light of her linguistic challenge, Erica questioned the logic of allowing language fluency to become a wedge that breeds hostility. She pointed out that other ethnic groups do not use language proficiency as grounds to insult or alienate their members, instead fostering unity.
She went on to ask: “Why is it so common to insult someone from your own tribe just because they don’t speak the language fluently? Calling each other names like ‘pig’ or ‘shame’ doesn’t build community—it fractures it. We need more love, less division.”
While many applauded Erica’s call for understanding and cohesion, some critics argued that her comments unnecessarily stirred ethnic tensions by contrasting the Igbo experience with other tribes.
Despite the mixed reactions, Erica’s message sparked an important conversation about identity, language, and the challenges of belonging in a multicultural society.
