BOKKU SUPERMARKET’S IGBO HATE ADVERTISEMENT : Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest, Insists On Accountability, Proper Apology

By Emmanuel Edom

Condemnation and Criticisms have continued to trail a recent controversial advertisement considered offensive, insensitive and said to be encapsulated on ethnic slur.

News Planet International reports that the said advertisement sponsored by a Lagos based retail chain known as BOKKU SUPERMARKET , is accused of promoting ethnic prejudice.

According to many social media adherents,since the video clips of the said disgusting advertisement went online, BOKKU SUPERMARKET ,has been under intense fire in many platforms.

As BOKKU SUPERMARKET faces backlash from a cross section of Nigerians, many of the online Critics, complained that the short video advertisement ,which featured a self – Styled Influencer, identified as “Defolah”,  contain ethnic slur such as ,” Before ‘Omo Igbo’ Cheats me with Ijebu garri “, suggesting that traders and business owners of Igbo extraction are cheats and fraudulent .

News Planet International investigation  revealed that the said controversial advertisement, turned out to be counter productive, as it has de- marketed BOKKU Supermarket more,considering that some of their hitherto Customers now criticise BOKKU bread as containing excessive sugar, while many queried what business Igbo traders have to do with Ijebu Garri, which is a food item largely associated with the Yoruba ethnic group.

Following the said Igbo hate syndrome and ethnic prejudice contained in the controversial advertisement, the  South West Regional Directorate of the Apex Pan Igbo Social Cultural Organization, known as Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Wide, has condemned it,describing it as despicable and slanderous statement against the entire Igbo race.

In a press statement dispatched to News Planet International by the Group, the Coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest Regional Directorate, Chief Everest Ozonweke, issued a strong condemnation of the advertisement and  has called for immediate action from the supermarket’s management.

According to him, the recent advertisement sparked widespread outrage, especially as Bokku Supermarket denigrated the Igbo community by referring to them in a derogatory manner.

 Chief Ozonweke expressed deep concern over the implications of such a slur, particularly given that the Igbo community constitutes a significant customer base for Bokku Supermarket across its various outlets. 

The Coordinator ,questioned the judgment of the supermarket’s management in allowing such a divisive advertisement to be aired on social media platforms without considering the potential consequences of promoting ethnic profiling and hate speech.

He Said : “The airing of this advertisement not only undermines the dignity of the Igbo people but also threatens the social fabric of our diverse society”.

 Ohanaeze Ndigbo ,urged Bokku Supermarket to take responsibility for this inappropriate content and issue a formal apology to the Igbo community.

Additionally, Chief Ozonweke expressed disappointment regarding the apology issued by an online content creator associated with the supermarket, describing it as falling short of expectations.

 He emphasized that such a serious matter requires a more sincere and comprehensive response from Bokku Supermarket’s management.

Further more, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in advertising.

It therefore urge businesses to be mindful of the impact their messaging can have on community relations. 

 Ozonweke , noted that as the situation develops, Ohanaeze Ndigbo  remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of the Igbo people.

He called on all stakeholders in the Nigeria project, to engage in constructive dialogue that fosters understanding and unity.

As things stands, the public awaits a response from Bokku Supermarket, as discussions surrounding this incident continue.