Nigerian musician, Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ popularly known as Brymo has apologised for remarks suggesting that the South East was not ripe to produce Nigeria’s president.
Recall that the musician has been in the eye of the storm for the remarks deemed by many to be anti-Igbo.
In one of his tweets, he wrote “f*ck omo Igbo,” which translates to “f*ck the Igbo people.”
His remarks led to an online petition calling on the organisers to stop his nomination for the 2022 All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA).
The ‘stop Brymo‘ petition had garnered more than 36,000 signatures as of Friday, January 13.
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In an Instagram Live on Friday night, the musician apologised for the remarks and gave a deeper insight into the controversy generated therefrom.
He said that the whole matter began after he shared his views on the famed writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s decision to reject a national honour and accept a chieftaincy title from her hometown in Anambra State.
Brymo said he felt that the writer’s action as a prominent Igbo person sent the wrong message about the presidential ambition of Peter Obi, who is also Igbo.
He said his innocent remarks provoked a flurry of attacks against him, including the petition that went viral.
According to him, the petition was already gathering momentum when an individual approached him and asked him to tender an apology.
“I was already petitioned and then I was being asked to apologise. So I was like: ‘ What? After the petition, abeg…” he said.
The musician however apologised to those who felt offended by his remarks.
“It is very important you understand that this entire fracas began with me seeing in the media that Chimamanda Adichie refused some national honours and had picked up some traditional title in the East at home.
“And I suggested that for me, it says a lot about the Igbo presidency because that actual seat is what the region should be eyeing right now. I have clamoured for Igbo presidency in the last few years, you wouldn’t believe it.
“It will pop in your mind when you hear the news that Igbos do not actually want the presidency.
“I did not insult the tribe, I am sorry to anyone who it sounded as such to. I was trying to weigh into a very important matter,” Brymo said.