Regulator of the Nigerian advertising industry, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), has berated Bokku Mart over its recent anti-Igbo advertisement.

The video advertisement featuring social media influencer Defolah showed her comparing Bokku Mart’s prices with those in open-air markets.

“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.”

As reported yesterday by News Express, the advertisement immediately sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning it as insensitive, divisive, and ethnically offensive.

Reacting Wednesday via a statement signed by its Director General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, ARCON described the advertisements as “unlawful, divisive, and contrary to Nigeria’s national values.”

It clarified that the controversial advertisements were not submitted for vetting or approval by its Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), as required by Nigerian advertising laws.

According to ARCON, the action clearly breach the ethical standards of practice and pose a serious threat to social harmony.

ARCON promised to take “necessary steps, including sanctions and legal redress, to enforce compliance.”

Bokku has apologized and deleted the offensive advertisement.

Influencer Defolah has equally expressed regret. “I sincerely apologise. It was never my intention to promote any form of tribal bias or disrespect to the Igbo people,” she said in a public apology video.