Bokku Mart, a Nigerian retail chain, has come under intense fire online after an advertisement featuring influencer Defolah was accused of promoting ethnic prejudice.
The controversial video, which has since been taken down, showed Defolah comparing the store’s prices with those in open-air markets while making remarks many Nigerians found offensive.
“So you mean I can get beans and garri Ijebu at Bokku without any Omo Igbo cheating me?” she said in the clip.
“It’s so relaxing to shop without someone pulling you from the left and right, shouting my colour.”
The comments sparked widespread outrage across social media, with critics accusing Bokku of endorsing ethnic stereotypes and disrespecting the Igbo community.
In response to the uproar, Defolah publicly apologised, clarifying that her statement was not meant to demean any ethnic group.
“I sincerely apologise. It was never my intention to promote any form of tribal bias or disrespect to the Igbo people,” she said.
However, the apology has done little to quell the backlash, as many Nigerians continue to call for a boycott of Bokku Mart and demand accountability from the brand.
See reactions below:
I visit bokku alot, in two weeks i have visited bokku more than 5 times because their prices are good but seeing the ad they just posted, moving forward! i will boycott @bokkumart until they apologize for that ad.
See video below.pic.twitter.com/VZznClITNn
— Vathexa (@monark__23) October 28, 2025
Ndi Igbo, shop at Ebeano Supermarket.
They won’t call you cheats or thieves , maka na Nke’a bu Nke Anyi!
Boycott Bokku till forever! pic.twitter.com/t3wUohWqmb— The General Snow
(@GeneralSnow_) October 28, 2025
Dear Umu Igbo worldwide, please don’t ever Patronize Bokku Mart @bokkumart .
They are profiling us as cheats,criminals.
As Nwa afor, spread this message and hold this malice till they do video apology. pic.twitter.com/d8S1eXR6i5— The General Snow
"You mean I can get beans and garri at Bokku without any omo Igbo cheating me?"
The irony of this disgraceful statement is that beans and garri are mostly sold by Yoruba women in the open market.
I hope they aren't expecting "omo Igbo" to spend their hard earned money in Bokku… https://t.co/Ph91i6KGEt— Bimbola Royale
(@bimbolaroyale) October 28, 2025
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