In Nigeria’s town of Igbo-Ora, located in the southwestern part of the country, twins are more than just a rare occurrence—they are a symbol of cultural pride, community, and belief. With a birth rate of about 45 sets of twins per 1,000 births, far surpassing the global average of 12, the town has earned its title as the “capital of twins.”

In Igbo-Ora, twins are seen as a blessing, and the local culture dictates that the older twin is named Taiwo (meaning “the one that tests the world”), while the younger twin is called Kehinde (“the one that came after”). This tradition is rooted in Yoruba culture, where twins are believed to bring good fortune and protection to families.

Many in Igbo-Ora believe that the origins of their high twin birth rate can be traced to folklore, where the village’s founder, an exiled prince from the Oyo Kingdom, made offerings to the gods in pairs, leading to the town’s blessing of twins. Local food, particularly “ilasa,” made from okra leaves, is also cited by some as a key factor in fostering high twin birth rates.

However, while Igbo-Ora celebrates the birth of twins, the story is not the same in all parts of Nigeria. In communities like the Bassa-Komo, twins have historically been viewed as evil. In the 1990s, missionary Olusola Stevens found that many twins were abandoned or even killed due to these beliefs. Through the efforts of Stevens and the establishment of The Vine Heritage Home, many of these abandoned twins were rescued and raised with care, changing the perception of twins in these regions.

Despite the challenges, Igbo-Ora continues to thrive as a town that proudly embraces its twin culture, with aspirations to hold a Guinness World Record for the highest number of multiple births. Local leaders, including the town’s oba (traditional ruler), are hopeful that the scientific research into this phenomenon will bring attention and investment to the area, improving its infrastructure and healthcare system.

In Igbo-Ora, twins are seen as symbols of success and prosperity. The town’s annual international twin festival draws attention from across the globe, celebrating the village’s unique identity. Yet, as the country’s views on twins continue to evolve, the community of Igbo-Ora remains dedicated to the belief that twins, whether revered or feared, hold a special place in Nigeria’s cultural and spiritual landscape.