Following Public Outcry, Bokku Apologises Over Viral ‘Omo Igbo’ Advert
Retail brand Bokku Mart has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over a viral promotional video described by Nigerians as ethnically insensitive.
The controversy erupted after a female content creator, identified as Defolah, featured in an advert posted on Bokku Mart’s social media page on Tuesday, used the phrase “No Omo Igbo can cheat me” while promoting the supermarket’s affordability.
The statement, which many viewers deemed derogatory toward Nigerians of South-East origin, sparked outrage online and led to calls for a boycott of the supermarket.
In a statement released on Friday via its official X handle, the company condemned the language used in the video, calling it “offensive and hurtful.”
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by a video recently shared online that contained offensive and hurtful language. The language used was unacceptable and deeply misaligned with Bokku’s values,”
the statement read.
Bokku Mart explained that the content originated from an external influencer and was published by a third-party media agency without internal 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 company stated.
The supermarket said it has since reviewed and strengthened its content approval and vendor oversight procedures to avoid a repeat of such an incident.
“We have strengthened our content approval and vendor oversight processes to ensure such an incident never happens again,”
the management added.
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and unity, Bokku Mart emphasised that it remains a Nigerian-owned company dedicated to serving all communities.
“Bokku Mart is more than a retail brand; we are a proudly Nigerian company built on love for our people and communities. We celebrate our nation’s diversity and stand firmly against all forms of discrimination,”
the statement said
Meanwhile, the influencer involved has apologised publicly, expressing regret over the remark and sharing screenshots on social media to explain her position.
The incident has reignited conversations about the responsibility of influencers and brands to uphold cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in advertising.
