Nigerian rapper, Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor aka Illbliss has tendered a public apology following a backlash on social media over comments he made during an online exchange about the contributions of Igbos to Lagos State.
Trouble started after the rapper defended the role of Igbos in Lagos’s economic growth, particularly in commerce and real estate.
“The Igbos have contributed immensely to the Lagos economy! Commerce-wise! If you have a problem with it, hug a frigging transformer!!! We have made massive investments in real estate too!! Other tribes have contributed too. Why is it always a problem when it’s the Igbos? Why?” he wrote on X.
His post drew mixed reactions, with some users supporting his position and others disagreeing. One user, @IgeOlusayo47761, accused the rapper of being ungrateful and urged him to focus on issues affecting the South East.
The exchange took a more controversial turn after a now-deleted response allegedly posted by Illbliss began circulating online. In the post, the rapper was quoted as saying: “We own your lands fool. We bought it everywhere and are renting it back to you. Thank you Lagos for the opportunity. You will pay rent forever in this city, bloody scavenger.”
The statement sparked outrage among many social media users, particularly Yoruba commentators, who accused the rapper of making remarks capable of deepening ethnic tensions.
However, in a post shared on his IG page this morning, Illbliss said he is sorry if his comment came across as brash. He mentioned that it wasn’t intended to tarnish Lagos, a state that has accommodated Igbos and supported their art, business, and growth. for many years.
His post reads: ” A few days ago, i typed a tweet that stated that over the years, the igbos had contributed commercially to the incredible growth in Lagos, alongside other tribes.
“A bunch of derogatory tweets responded in an attack, asking us to vacate Lagos and return to our erosion-filled, barren land. I was upset and responded rather harshly in these words: “We bought all your land and will resell to you”.
“I have always been baffled at how hostile certain factions have been towards igbos when it comes to developing areas outside the southeast. I apologise if you found my comments brash. It wasn’t intended to tarnish Lagos, a state that has accommodated us all and supported our art, our business and our growth. for many years. We live here, and it’s our home, and we will always treat it as such. Thank YOU and Stay Blessed.”