Bokku Mart has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over its viral Omo Igbo ad, which many Nigerians described as ethnically insensitive.
The controversy began on Tuesday after the supermarket posted a promotional video featuring social media influencer Defolah. In the clip, she said, “No Omo Igbo can cheat me,”while promoting the store’s affordable prices.
The remark angered many viewers, who saw it as offensive to South-East Nigerians. Online outrage quickly followed, with calls for a boycott of Bokku Mart and accusations of ethnic discrimination.
Defolah has since apologized publicly. Bokku Mart also addressed the situation in a statement on its X (Twitter) handle on Friday, calling the language used “offensive and hurtful.”
“We feel deeply saddened and disturbed by a recently shared online video that used offensive and hurtful language.”
“The language used in the video was unacceptable and deeply misaligned with Bokku’s values,” the company said.
The retailer explained that an external influencer produced the Bokku Mart Omo Igbo ad, and a third-party agency uploaded it without the company’s approval.
“While the content originated from an external influencer and was published by a third-party media firm without prior review by our team, we take full responsibility for its appearance on our platforms,” the statement read.
Bokku Mart said it has now strengthened content approval and vendor oversight processes to prevent similar incidents.
“We have since strengthened our content approval and vendor oversight processes to ensure such an incident never happens again,” the company added.
The retailer reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, unity, and national inclusion, stressing that it opposes all forms of discrimination.
“Our mission is to make everyday life better for all Nigerians by ensuring access to quality products at affordable prices.
“We celebrate our nation’s rich diversity and stand firmly against all forms of discrimination,” the statement concluded.
