Dabiri-Erewa is facing backlash after endorsing an anti-Igbo slur, prompting accusations of bigotry and tribalism.
The Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has come under intense criticism after amplifying a social media post that described Igbos as “monkeys” and “children of gorillas.” The repost, which Dabiri-Erewa shared with laughter memes, drew widespread outrage from Nigerians who accused her of tribalism and bigotry.
The controversial post, authored by user @akerele_s, praised Dabiri-Erewa’s work while disparaging the Igbo ethnic group with derogatory remarks. Social media users reacted furiously, with one, @MrEnugu1, calling her the “grandmother of bigotry,” while @OkeyKingsman said she would be the “first minister of tribalism and bigotry in the history of Nigeria.”
Activist Aisha Yesufu condemned her action, stating, “Whenever you think this woman wouldn’t go lower, she finds a way of really digging in and finding a new low.” Many commentators also suggested the incident reflects tolerance of bigotry within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.