Retail outlet Bokku Mart in Abuja faced a massive public backlash in late 2023 over an advertisement that allegedly contained the deeply controversial and tribalistic phrase Without Omo Igbo cheating me The market has since disowned the statement .
Retail Outlet Bokku Mart Slammed Over Controversial Tribalistic Ad
The commercial sector in Abuja Nigeria was shaken in November 2023 when Bokku Mart a prominent local food market became the subject of a major public relations disaster The business was immediately under intense fire—a situation accurately described by the widely circulated headline—following the emergence of a promotional message that the public instantly denounced as tribalistic and derogatory .
The core of the significant outrage stemmed from a specific and highly inflammatory phrase reportedly contained within a message attributed to the market Without Omo Igbo cheating me The term Omo Igbo is a Yoruba phrase translating to Child of Igbo a direct reference to the Igbo ethnic group one of Nigerias major nationalities known extensively for their presence in trade and commerce The coupling of the markets name with a statement that links an entire ethnic group to dishonesty the act of cheating was immediately perceived as an unambiguous ethnic slur and an act of xenophobia .
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The Root of the Controversy A Divisive Promotional Message
The message quickly went viral across various social media platforms turning Bokku Mart into a focal point of national conversation about ethnic sensitivity and business ethics The sentiment in the message suggesting that one must specifically patronize Bokku Mart to ensure honest trade and avoid being cheated by an Igbo person was viewed by many as a dangerous promotion of ethnic bias .
Critics argued that such language is not only deeply offensive but also violates principles of national unity and corporate social responsibility In a diverse nation like Nigeria commercial communication is expected to be unifying and the use of ethnically charged language regardless of its origin is a profound transgression The incident became a prime example of the rapid escalation of a corporate crisis in the age of digital media where controversial content can lead to immediate and widespread condemnation .
Immediate Public Backlash and Corporate Response
The reaction from the public was swift and overwhelmingly negative with users across X formerly Twitter and other platforms launching campaigns against the market The backlash included .
- Accusations of Tribalism: Direct and sustained public accusations that the company was propagating harmful stereotypes and actively promoting tribal division .
- Calls for Boycott: Numerous consumers publicly advocated for a complete boycott of Bokku Marts products and services .
- Demands for Accountability: Strong pressure was placed on the markets management to issue an apology and hold the creators or circulators of the message accountable .
In response to the growing crisis the management of Bokku Mart swiftly issued a public statement The markets management disowned the message claiming it did not originate from them and was a malicious act orchestrated by external entities to tarnish their brand image They emphasized their commitment to fairness and diversity stating they are an equal opportunity employer and service provider .
The Implications for Business and Ethnic Relations
The Bokku Mart incident highlights the critical need for businesses to maintain strict control over their public messaging particularly in ethnically diverse regions Even if the message was an external attack as the market claimed the mere association with such a damaging statement necessitated an immediate and robust defense .
The markets subsequent actions—disowning the message and reaffirming its neutrality—were essential first steps in crisis management However the lasting impact of the controversy will depend on whether the public accepts their explanation The incident remains a potent case study on the serious consequences businesses face when their brand is linked intentionally or unintentionally to divisive or discriminatory content It underscores the responsibility of all entities to be vigilant in promoting inclusivity and avoiding rhetoric that can exacerbate ethnic tensions .
Dynamic Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The news information presented here is based on available reports and verified search results concerning the tribalistic advertisement controversy involving Bokku Mart in November 2023 Readers should cross-check updates and official statements from the company or official news outlets to get the full context and development of the story .