发布时间：2025年05月14日
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In a small town in southwestern Nigeria, seeing double is completely normal. Welcome to Igbo-Ora, often called the “Twin Capital of the World,” where almost every family has at least one set of twins.
This astonishing phenomenon continues to puzzle scientists and fascinate visitors.
1. Context or Origin
Igbo-Ora is located in Oyo State, about 80 kilometers from Lagos. According to local and global reports, the twin birth rate here is approximately 50 per 1,000 births—more than four times the global average of 12 per 1,000.
This striking statistic has sparked curiosity among researchers, anthropologists, and travelers alike.
2. Development of the Phenomenon
Why does Igbo-Ora produce so many twins? There are multiple theories. One common explanation credits the local diet—especially dishes made from yams and okra leaves, staples in the traditional soup known as Ilasa.
Others believe genetics play a strong role, as the Yoruba ethnic group, predominant in this region, is known for a higher incidence of twin births. Still, no definitive scientific conclusion has been reached.
Even women who move to Igbo-Ora and adopt the local diet have been reported to give birth to twins, adding more layers to the mystery.
3. Curiosities or Implications
World Twins Festival: Every year, the town hosts a vibrant Twins Festival, attracting twin pairs from across Nigeria and beyond. The event includes parades, dances, and colorful traditional clothing.
Naming Tradition: In Yoruba culture, twins receive special names—Taiwo for the firstborn (the one who “tastes the world”) and Kehinde for the second.
Symbol of Blessing: Twins are seen as divine gifts in Yoruba beliefs, bringing prosperity and happiness to their families.
4. Conclusion or Moral
Igbo-Ora stands at the intersection of science, spirituality, and culture. Whether it’s due to food, genes, or something yet undiscovered, the town’s twin boom remains one of the world’s most charming unsolved mysteries.
In Igbo-Ora, life doesn’t just come in pairs—it celebrates them.
Sources
Seeing Double in Nigeria’s Twin Capital – Al Jazeera – https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/10/17/seeing-double-in-nigerias-twins-capital-of-the-world
This Nigerian Town Has the Most Twins in the World – BBC – https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68977986
High Twin Rate in Nigeria's Igbo-Ora – NPR – https://www.npr.org/2022/10/14/1129008458