Bokku Mart, a Lagos-based supermarket chain, has come under criticism after releasing a promotional video that many Nigerians described as tribal and offensive.
The advert, which circulated on social media platforms on Tuesday, featured influencer Defolah, who said:
“So you mean I can get beans and garri Ijebu at Bokku without any Omo Igbo cheating me?”
The phrase “Omo Igbo,” referring to people of Igbo descent, sparked outrage among viewers who accused the company of promoting ethnic prejudice.
Following the backlash, Bokku Mart deleted the video from its social media pages and issued a public apology. The statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), read:
“We are sorry, very sorry. An influencer used the words and she’s been cautioned. We’ve taken it down everywhere and do not condone this at all.”
The apology came after widespread condemnation from Nigerians, including rights activists and cultural organizations, who demanded accountability from both the brand and the influencer involved.
The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, but several online commentators have called for stricter enforcement of advertising standards to prevent similar occurrences.
The incident occurred less than a year after Bokku Mart expanded its retail operations in Lagos, where it has positioned itself as an emerging competitor in the supermarket sector.
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