I Asked For Tribal Marks As A Child, Now I Dislike Them — Olaiya Igwe

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Veteran Nollywood actor Olaiya Igwe has opened up about his feelings towards the traditional tribal marks he bears, revealing that he once strongly disliked them despite initially asking for them as a child.

Speaking on cultural identity and personal reflection, the actor explained that he grew up admiring tribal marks and even persuaded his parents to allow him to get them because he found them appealing at the time. However, as he matured and gained a deeper understanding of their meaning, his perception changed.

Olaiya Igwe revealed that he comes from a polygamous family where cultural customs were strictly observed. 

According to him, only the first child of each of his father’s wives was traditionally required to have tribal marks. 

He, however, requested to be included, believing it was something special and meaningful during his early years.

Over time, the actor said he began to question the practice, describing it as something influenced more by tradition and limited awareness than necessity. 

He argued that modern advancements, particularly in science and identification methods, have made tribal marks less relevant in today’s society.

He pointed out that DNA testing and other forms of identification now provide more accurate ways of determining lineage and family connections. This, he said, has led him to rethink the cultural importance once attached to tribal markings.

Despite his criticism, Olaiya Igwe admitted that his feelings towards tribal marks have fluctuated. He recalled moments when seeing respected figures in the Yoruba film industry with similar marks made him feel a renewed appreciation for the tradition.

The actor, whose real name is Ebun Oloyede, has been a prominent figure in Yoruba Nollywood cinema for decades. 

He gained widespread recognition after adopting the stage name Olaiya Igwe following his involvement in the popular stage production Olaiya Ni Mi.

Tribal marks, once widely practiced across several Nigerian ethnic groups, especially among the Yoruba, served as symbols of identity, heritage, and family lineage. 

However, in contemporary society, the practice has significantly declined as many view it as outdated and no longer necessary in a modern, globalized world.

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