A major Nigerian retail chain, Bokku Mart, has come under intense criticism following the release of a controversial advertisement featuring social media influencer Defolah, which many Nigerians say promotes ethnic prejudice.
The video — which has since been deleted from all platforms — showed Defolah comparing Bokku Mart’s priceswith those in open-air markets, while making comments widely interpreted as derogatory toward the Igbo community.
“So you mean I can get beans and garri Ijebu at Bokku without any Omo Igbo cheating me?” she said in the clip. “It’s so relaxing to shop without someone pulling you from the left and right, shouting my colour.”
The remarks immediately triggered a wave of outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the ad as insensitive, divisive, and ethnically offensive. Critics accused Bokku Mart of endorsing tribal stereotypes for marketing gain and disrespecting the Igbo ethnic group.
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Public Backlash and Calls for Boycott
Within hours of the video’s circulation, the hashtags #BoycottBokkuMart and #SayNoToTribalism began trending across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. Several public figures, activists, and customers expressed disappointment, calling on the company to take responsibility and issue an official apology.
“This is 2025. How can a brand approve an ad that insults an entire ethnic group? It’s shameful,” one X user wrote.
Influencer Defolah Issues Public Apology
Amid mounting criticism, Defolah released a public apology video, expressing regret for her choice of words and clarifying that she never intended to demean or stereotype any ethnic group.
“I sincerely apologise. It was never my intention to promote any form of tribal bias or disrespect to the Igbo people,” she said.
Despite the apology, the backlash has persisted, with many Nigerians insisting that Bokku Mart must also be held accountable for approving and distributing the ad.
Bokku Mart Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of press time, Bokku Mart has not released an official statement addressing the controversy, though reports suggest the brand has begun an internal review of its marketing processes.
Observers have urged the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to investigate the campaign for possible breach of ethical advertising standards, warning that such messages risk deepening ethnic tensions in the country.
Public Reactions Continue
Civil society groups and media commentators have called for greater sensitivity in brand messaging, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be celebrated, not exploited.
“Brands must understand that ethnic slurs — even made in jest — can reinforce division. Responsible advertising should unite, not divide,” a Lagos-based PR expert said.
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However, the apology has done little to quell the backlash, as many Nigerians continue to call for a boycott of Bokku Mart and demand accountability from the brand.
See reactions below:
By VOPTV – Voice of the People Television Uniting Nigerians through truth, balance, and accountability.