A promotional video by Nigerian retail chain Bokku Mart has triggered widespread outrage after it was accused of promoting ethnic bias against the Igbo community.
The now-deleted advertisement featured influencer Defolah, who compared the store’s prices to those in open-air markets while making remarks many Nigerians described as offensive and divisive.
In the controversial clip, Defolah said, “So you mean I can get beans and garri Ijebu at Bokku without any Omo Igbo cheating me?” — a statement that immediately ignited backlash across social media platforms.
Thousands of users condemned the ad, accusing Bokku Mart of endorsing ethnic stereotypes and using tribal slurs for commercial gain. Critics argued that the campaign deliberately exploited Nigeria’s fragile ethnic relations to attract attention.
“I used to shop at Bokku regularly, but after seeing that ad, I’m boycotting the brand until they publicly apologise,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the sentiments of many others who have since called for a boycott.
Amid the growing criticism, Defolah issued a public apology, stating that her words were not intended to offend or demean any group.
“I sincerely apologise. It was never my intention to promote tribal bias or disrespect the Igbo people. I have learned from this experience,” she said.
Despite her apology, outrage persisted as many Nigerians demanded accountability from Bokku Mart’s management and questioned why such content was approved in the first place.
Analysts noted that some brands have resorted to controversial marketing to attract public attention, but this latest incident may have crossed the line, sparking a broader conversation about tribalism, ethics, and corporate responsibility in advertising.
As of press time, Bokku Mart has not issued an official statement addressing the controversy.