Abike Dabiri-Erewa Under Fire for Endorsing Anti-Igbo Slur
NIDCOM Chair Branded “Grandmother of Bigotry” After Reposting Derogatory Comment
September 5, 2025
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has been engulfed in a storm of criticism after appearing to endorse a post on X (formerly Twitter) that described Igbos as “monkeys, children of gorillas and bastards.”
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 4, 2025, when Dabiri-Erewa reposted the offensive remark alongside laughing emojis, an act widely interpreted as her approval of the derogatory message.
The backlash was swift. Social media users branded her the “grandmother of bigotry,” with many accusing her of deep-seated tribal prejudice. Activist Aisha Yesufu condemned her action as “a despicable shame,” saying Dabiri-Erewa continually “finds a new low.” Others predicted her legacy would be defined by tribalism rather than public service.
Critics argue that the episode highlights a troubling trend of hate speech and ethnic intolerance being normalized by public officials. Some commentators went further, suggesting that the Nigerian government is increasingly weaponizing tribal divisions for political purposes under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
As of now, Dabiri-Erewa has not issued a formal apology or clarification, leaving widespread outrage simmering both online and offline.
The controversy has reignited national debates about leadership ethics, ethnic tolerance, and the responsibilities of public figures in fostering unity rather than division in Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
