“‘I Don’t Want Anything Yoruba’: Father’s Shocking Ban on Yoruba Son-in-Law Sparks Outrage and Heartbreak

In a moment that has gripped social media and ignited a whirlwind of conversations across Nigeria, a father’s blunt declaration that he does not want Yoruba people near his daughter—let alone marrying her—has left many reeling in shock, heartbreak, and deep confusion. The statement, delivered in raw, unfiltered language, immediately stirred reactions: “Baba say e no want Yoruba people to marry his daughter, say he no want anything Yoruba… Wetin we do?” The cry of frustration, pain, and disbelief from the young man who shared the story has now become a conversation bigger than the two families involved. It is a mirror held up to the country’s long-standing tensions, biases, and tribal sentiments that continue to shape many relationships today.

According to the young man, his relationship with the woman he loves has been steady, committed, and built on mutual respect. They had invested deeply in their future together, making plans, meeting each other’s friends, and even daydreaming about the kind of home they hoped to build someday. But all of that came crashing down the moment the girl’s father reportedly said he would never allow his daughter to marry a Yoruba man. The words struck like a lightning bolt—not just because of what was said, but because of how it was said. There was no negotiation, no attempt to understand, no willingness to even meet the young man. It was an outright rejection, a sweeping dismissal of an entire ethnic group, and a brutal blow to the heart of the man who genuinely loved her.

The revelation quickly spread online, drawing thousands of reactions, from anger to pity to collective bewilderment. Many Nigerians expressed deep frustration that in 2025, tribal discrimination still has the power to destroy relationships. Others couldn’t help but ask the same painful question: “Wetin Yoruba people do Baba?” For many, it is baffling that a father would dismiss a potential son-in-law solely on the basis of tribe, especially when Yoruba culture is so deeply woven into the country’s fabric—its music, food, fashion, and language influencing every corner of Nigeria.

Friends close to the couple say the young woman is devastated, torn between loyalty to her family and loyalty to the man she loves. She reportedly tried to reason with her father, explaining that character should matter more than tribe, but he refused to listen. According to those present during the confrontation, he insisted that his daughter must marry someone from their own ethnic background, arguing that it is the only way to preserve “tradition and peace” within the family. These words, while deeply hurtful, are not unfamiliar to many Nigerians who have had their own relationships tossed aside because of old biases passed down from one generation to another.

The man at the center of the storm described feeling humiliated and confused. He said he had done nothing to deserve such harsh rejection, and that he had approached the relationship with love and sincerity. Instead of being judged by his values, career, or intentions, he found himself disqualified by something he had no control over—his ethnicity. His post ended with a heartbreaking plea to the public: “Wetin we do?” A question that speaks not only for himself, but for millions of young Nigerians who are constantly battling tribal stereotypes despite living in a country where love should have the freedom to cross cultural lines.

As the story gained traction, countless people weighed in with their own experiences. Some recalled being barred from relationships because they were Igbo, Hausa, Tiv, Fulani, Ijaw, Efik, or Edo. Others noted that tribal prejudice is often subtle, buried under jokes or family expectations, but still powerful enough to break hearts and derail futures. Many argued that this cycle will never end until the younger generation boldly challenges the mindset that one tribe is superior or inferior to another. Several commenters pointed out that inter-tribal marriages have produced some of the strongest, happiest families in Nigeria, proving that love, respect, and shared values matter more than ancestry.

Still, the father’s stand sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of parents in modern relationships. Should family traditions override personal happiness? Should a parent’s fears shape their child’s future? Should ethnicity still be a deciding factor in marriage choices? For many, the answer is no. But for some older Nigerians, tribal identity remains tied to security, familiarity, and cultural continuity, making them resistant to change. However, critics argue that this kind of thinking has done more harm than good, creating unnecessary divisions among people who would otherwise coexist peacefully.

Meanwhile, supporters of the heartbroken young man encouraged him not to blame himself or Yoruba people in general. They argued that the issue lies solely with the father’s personal biases and not with an entire culture. Many Yoruba users humorously responded to his lament, saying, “Baba no know say na Yoruba men dey love pass?” Others took a more serious tone, calling the incident a reminder that tribalism is not just a political or social issue—it is personal, emotional, and painfully disruptive.

As for the young woman, sources say she is still trying to convince her father to reconsider. Some hope that time, conversations, and family mediation may soften his stance. But others warn that neither partner should be forced into a relationship that is doomed to constant conflict from disapproving relatives. What happens next remains uncertain. Love stories built across tribal lines often face trials, but many have pushed through and flourished. Whether this one will survive depends on courage, patience, and whether the father will eventually recognize that his daughter’s happiness should matter more than old prejudices.

In the end, this situation has become more than a family disagreement—it is a national conversation. It exposes the wounds Nigeria has yet to heal and the biases that still run deep in many households. The young man’s cry—“Wetin we do?”—echoes across generations of Nigerians who have suffered rejection for simply being born into a tribe they didn’t choose. But it also serves as a challenge to the present generation: to love beyond labels, to break harmful cycles, and to redefine what truly matters in a relationship.

For now, social media continues to buzz as Nigerians from all walks of life weigh in, offering sympathy, advice, prayers, and anger. What is clear, however, is that the conversation sparked by this father’s statement has become a symbol of a much bigger problem—a reminder that even in a modern, progressive society, love still battles invisible walls. Whether those walls crumble or stand tall will determine not just the fate of this couple, but the future of many others daring to love beyond tribe.