Inside Nigeria’s Twin City: Where Life is Made for Two

Nestled in the heart of Oyo State, Nigeria, lies the town of Igbo-Ora, affectionately dubbed the “Twin Capital of the World.” This unassuming locale has garnered international attention due to its remarkably high incidence of twin births, a phenomenon that has both intrigued and delighted researchers and visitors alike.

A Town of Twins

In Igbo-Ora, twins are not just common; they are a celebrated aspect of the community’s identity. While the global average for twin births hovers around 12 per 1,000 births, Igbo-Ora boasts an astonishing rate of approximately 45 to 50 sets of twins per 1,000 live births.  This means that nearly every family in the town has experienced the unique joy of raising twins.

Cultural Significance

The prevalence of twins has deeply influenced the cultural fabric of Igbo-Ora and the wider Yoruba community. In Yoruba culture, twins (known as ‘Ibeji’ in Yoruba) are considered an immense blessing, and special names are bestowed upon them: the firstborn is named Taiwo, meaning “the first to taste the world,” and the sibling that follows is named Kehinde, meaning “the one who comes after.”  This tradition underscores the reverence and joy associated with twin births in the region.

Within Yoruba spiritual tradition, it is believed that Kehinde — who is actually believed to be the elder twin — commands Taiwo out of the womb (and is hence born first) to ‘taste’ the world for them.

Exploring the Causes

The exact reasons behind Igbo-Ora’s high twin birth rate remain a subject of research and debate. Several theories have been proposed:

• Genetic Predisposition: Another consideration is a genetic predisposition among the Yoruba people, who naturally have one of the highest dizygotic (fraternal) twinning rates globally. 

• Environmental Influences: Some studies have explored environmental factors, such as the presence of certain chemicals in the local water or soil, though no definitive conclusions have been reached.

The strongest theory suggests that the local diet, rich in specific tubers like yams and cassava, plays a role. These foods contain natural phytoestrogens, which some researchers believe may stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs during ovulation (known as hyperovulation).

A Community Celebrated

The phenomenon of twinning has become a point of pride for Igbo-Ora. The town hosts an annual Twin Festival, attracting twins from around the world to celebrate their unique bond and heritage. This festival not only fosters community spirit but also boosts local tourism, as visitors flock to witness and partake in the festivities.