In the southwestern Oyo State of Nigeria lies Igbo-Ora, a city where it seems like almost every family welcomes twins or multiple births. This remarkable place has earned the nickname “Land of Twins” for boasting the highest twin birth rate in all of Africa. While the precise cause remains elusive, a prevailing belief attributes this phenomenon to a blend of genetic and environmental influences.
One hypothesis suggests that the remarkable prevalence of twin births in Igbo-Ora can be attributed to the genetic predispositions of the Yoruba people, who constitute the majority of the local population. The Yoruba have a notable history of high twinning rates, with occurrences as frequent as one in every 22 births resulting in twins or even triplets, a striking contrast to the global average of just one in every 80 births.
Another hypothesis posits that the local diet in Igbo-Ora, which includes a variety of foods rich in hormones known to stimulate ovulation, might be a contributing factor to the elevated rate of twin births. These hormones, notably present in staples like yams and cassava, are thought to enhance the chances of giving birth to twins. However, it’s crucial to note that this theory lacks conclusive proof, and further research is essential to validate its claims. The people of Igbo-Ora hold a particular affection for pounded yam, a culinary favorite.
Despite the enigmatic nature of the city’s extraordinary twin birth rates, Igbo-Ora has earned the distinguished title of the “Twins Capital of the World.” This reputation has attracted visitors from across Africa and beyond, drawing global attention. The city even hosts an annual festival, the Igbo Festival, dedicated to celebrating and honoring its cherished tradition of twin births. In a remarkable display of this cultural heritage, this year’s event in October featured over 1,000 pairs of twins and drew participants from as far afield as France, according to the organizers.
The remarkable prevalence of twins in Igbo-Ora has given rise to a flourishing twin-focused industry, with numerous local businesses catering specifically to twins and their families. Tailors craft matching outfits for twins, photographers specialize in twin photography, and unique schools offer specialized education tailored to the needs of twins.
This thriving twin industry has had a positive impact on Igbo-Ora’s economy, with many families benefiting financially from these twin-focused businesses. Furthermore, the city has become a sought-after destination for researchers and scientists from around the globe who come to investigate this phenomenon and gain insights into the factors contributing to the high rate of twin births in the region.
However, alongside these advantages, challenges persist due to the large number of twins in the city, including resource and facility limitations for the adequate support and care of newborns.
To celebrate this unique cultural heritage and boost tourism and investment, Igbo-Ora annually hosts a festival organized by Twins World Creations and the Igbo-Ora Community Foundation. This event, graced by the Alaafin of Oyo and other prominent figures, has evolved into a major tourist attraction in Ibarapa land. Originally known as the “Naija Twins Festival,” it has been rebranded as the “World Twins Festival” with the goal of positioning Oyo State as a premier destination for twin-related tourism and potentially earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records.