Despite recent apologies from the fast-growing retail brand Bokku Mart following public outrage over a promotional video featuring influencer Defolah Oluwafunmilayo, backlash continues to mount over the ad’s perceived ethnic insensitivity and growing public curiosity about the real owners of the mart.
In a statement released on October 29, Bokku Mart expressed regret over the advert and confirmed that it had been taken down from all its social media platforms. The company described the incident as “a serious oversight” and pledged to strengthen its internal review processes to ensure that future campaigns align with its values of unity and inclusivity.
“We sincerely apologize to our customers and to the Nigerian public for any offense caused by the recent promotional video,” the statement read. “Bokku Mart celebrates diversity and does not support any message that discriminates or divides.”
The Ad That Sparked the Outrage
The controversy erupted on October 28, 2025, after Bokku Mart posted a video online showing Defolah Oluwafunmilayo promoting the store’s affordable products. In the now-deleted clip, she remarked:
“You mean I can get beans and garri Ijebu at Bokku without any Omo Igbo cheating me?”
The line, invoking a negative stereotype about Igbo traders, was quickly condemned across social media as tribalistic and divisive. Many Nigerians called the remark a setback to efforts promoting tolerance and national unity.
Influencer’s Public Apology
Responding to the backlash, Defolah issued a video apology on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“It was never my intention to promote any form of tribal bias or disrespect to the Igbo people. I am deeply sorry for my words and have learned from this experience.”
Her apology, however, did little to calm public anger, with calls for a boycott of Bokku Mart and stricter oversight of influencer advertising trending nationwide.
Public Appeal to Advertising Regulator
The controversy has also drawn the attention of media professionals. In an open letter addressed to Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), filmmaker General Snow urged the regulatory body to investigate the advert and take action.
“Such a portrayal is not only offensive but deeply dangerous in a multiethnic country like ours,” the letter stated. “It feeds stereotypes, stirs division, and undermines our collective effort to build a fair and united Nigeria.”
The letter questioned whether the advert had received ARCON’s approval before publication and demanded that the Council disclose relevant details or sanction the brand in line with the ARCON Act of 2022.
Awaiting Regulatory Response
As of press time, ARCON has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.
Observers say the incident has reignited discussions about ethnic sensitivity, corporate responsibility, and the ethics of influencer marketing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving advertising industry.
