Omo Igbo: Bokku Mart Faces Backlash Over ‘Tribal’ Ad!

Omo Igbo: Bokku Mart Faces Backlash Over ‘Tribal’ Ad!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Bokku Mart, a Nigerian retail chain, is under fire after releasing an advertisement featuring influencer Defolah that was widely condemned for ethnic insensitivity.

What We Know:

• In the now‑deleted clip, Defolah says: “So you mean I can get beans and garri Ijebu at Bokku without any ‘Omo Igbo’ cheating me?” [1]
• Many Nigerians across social media accused the ad of promoting negative stereotypes against the Igbo community, labelling them as cheats. [2]
• Bokku Mart subsequently issued an apology, stating the influencer was cautioned and the video removed, reiterating that the brand “does not condone” the phrase and remains “very pro‑Nigerian.” [3]

Why It Matters:

• The incident has triggered a broader conversation on corporate responsibility in Nigeria’s marketing space and the line between edgy advertising and ethnic offence.
• For Bokku Mart, the backlash threatens brand reputation and may lead to consumer boycotts, especially among Igbo shoppers.
• It highlights how social media can quickly amplify perceived ethnic provocations in advertising, raising the stakes for brands operating in Nigeria’s diverse market.

What to Watch:

Whether Bokku Mart follows up with corrective measures and transparent commitments to diversity and inclusion.

• The potential for regulatory scrutiny or sanctions over content promoting ethnic bias.
• Consumer behaviour in response, especially whether Igbo‑majority communities withdraw patronage or demand more than an apology.

Sources:

1. Vanguard News – “Omo Igbo: Bokku Mart faces backlash over ‘tribal’ ad” (Oct. 29, 2025) [1]
2. TheCable Lifestyle – “‘Without Omo Igbo cheating me’ — Bokku Mart under fire over ‘tribalistic’ ad” (Oct. 28, 2025) [4]
3. The Guardian Nigeria – “Bokku apologises as Nigerians condemn advert with ethnic slur” (Oct. 28, 2025) [3] Citations:
4. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/omo-igbo-bokku-mart-faces-backlash-over-tribal-ad/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. GWG: gwg.ng/2025/10/29/backlash-trails-lagos-supermarkets-advert-on-omo-igbo-cheats-video/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/bokku-apologises-as-nigerians-condemn-advert-with-ethnic-slur/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
7. TheCable Lifestyle: lifestyle.thecable.ng/bokku-mart-under-fire-over-tribalistic-ad/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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