Nigerians have continued to express their displeasure over what is perceived as hate speech against the Igbos by popular singer, Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi better known as Brymo.
Over 43,000 Nigerians have signed the petition to stop the singer from winning the All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA) where he was nominated in the ‘Songwriter of the Year’ category.
The artist, who has been against the presidential ambition of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, came under fire for claiming that an Igbo presidency would just be a “pipe dream” because of the quest for Biafra.
“As long as there (are) talks by prominent people from Igboland about Biafra, an Igbo presidency will be a pipe dream,” he had tweeted.
That tweet earned him torrents of backlashes but a defiant Brymo doubled down on his assertions and blurted out with another tweet saying ,‘F*ck The Ndi Igbo !! .. To H*ll With It!!”
Angered by the singer’s incessant anti-Igbo comments, a man identified as Charles Ogundele, launched the petition against Brymo, urging Nigerians to sign the petition to ensure that the singer is prevented from winning at 2023 All Africa Music Award, AFRIMA.
Within a few days, the petition had over 3,000 signatures, but by yesterday, it surpassed 43,000.
Some of his Yoruba kinsmen joined in the petition against his stance, a development that disappointed and apparently got the singer regretting his actions:
Akinyemi Micheal:”I’m a proud Yoruba boy and I will sign that petition too, not because of Brymo‘s political view. But Bigotry & tribalism shouldn’t be condoned.”
Obasipee: “Most of us signing the petition to stop Brymo are not doing it because of his political view, it’s because of this tweet. you have the right to support who ever you want but don’t start a tribal war. Brymo promoted a hate speech against a while tribe and must be stopped.”
Worried by the reactions and the thousands of signatures especially the impact on his career, Brymo via his Twitter handle, tendered an apology to Igbos.
He said, “Forgive my assertions that came across as bigoted spewing against the Igbo tribe. I did not mean to do harm, I am sorry!!
He added, “My apologies are extended to all igbos that may not know too. I missed that cos I am deeply affected most around once I’m closer to. Do accept my sorry, I did not mean harm”.
Some people however, view his apology as arrogant and another rain of insults.
Read also:
‘Stop Fanning Ethnicity’ – Ohanaeze Reacts to Oluwo’s Statement That Igbos Cannot be Trusted
Igbo Hate Speech: Signed Petitions Pile up Against Brymo’s AFRIMA Award