Omotayo Adigun
Popular supermarket chain, Bokku, is facing widespread criticism and calls for a boycott after publishing an advertisement that many Nigerians have described as bigotry-provoking and ethnically insensitive.
The now-deleted ad featured a character named Defolah, who expressed “surprise” at being able to buy original sachet Ijebu garri “without an Omo Igbo cheating her.” The line, which was accompanied by repeated hand gestures and horns, quickly went viral online, drawing outrage across social media platforms.
Critics accused the supermarket of promoting stereotypes and fueling ethnic tension by singling out the Igbo ethnic group. Many users argued that the remark was a deliberate act of prejudice, especially since every other line in the video was subtitled — except the “Omo Igbo” phrase, which they claim was intentionally left uncaptioned.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Bokku’s marketing department had approved a clean version of the advert but allegedly did not review the final edit before it went live. Despite this explanation, the backlash has continued to mount, with calls for a public apology from the company.
Some Nigerians insist that the line crossed ethical and cultural boundaries, accusing the supermarket of “joining the bigotry league.” Others have pointed out that Ijebu garri is typically sold by Yoruba traders, arguing that the inclusion of the “Omo Igbo” reference was unnecessary and offensive.
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However, a smaller segment of the online community believes the controversy has been exaggerated, describing the video as a misguided attempt at humor or marketing PR gone wrong.
Following the outrage, Bokku has taken down the ad from all its social media platforms. The actress featured in the video, Defolah, has also issued a personal apology, but the public continues to demand an official statement and public apology from the supermarket chain.
As of now, Bokku has remained silent on the matter, but the incident has reignited discussions around ethnic sensitivity and responsibility in brand advertising across Nigeria’s increasingly diverse digital landscape.