Y-Chromosome Analysis Sheds New Light on Itsekiri Origins

This study examines paternal lineage signatures on the Y chromosome for several West African groups. It focuses on haplotypes and RST distances, showing how closely related each group’s male lines are. Researchers analyzed 21 Itsekiri, 110 Yoruba (49 Ibadan, 61 Lagos), 28 Urhobo, 48 Bini, 47 Mende, and 34 Temne men. Lower RST values mean closer paternal ties. The Itsekiri samples clustered nearer to Bini (0.025), Urhobo (0.025), Temne (0.047), and Mende (0.059) than to Yoruba-Ibadan (0.191) or Yoruba-Lagos (0.154). While this narrow father-line evidence doesn’t settle all origin questions, it challenges the common claim that Itsekiri men directly descend paternally from Yoruba groups.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.