‘I didn’t mean to tarnish Lagos,’ Illbliss apologises over land tweet

Nigerian rapper, Tobechukwu Ejiofor, popularly known as Illbliss, has apologised over his controversial comment on Igbo investments and land ownership in Lagos.

The rapper came under fire after he responded angrily to some social media users who attacked him for saying Igbos had contributed commercially to the growth of Lagos alongside other ethnic groups.

Illbliss said his initial comment was met with derogatory responses asking Igbos to leave Lagos and return to what some described as their “erosion filled land.”

According to him, he became upset and replied harshly, saying: “We bought all your land and will resell to you.”

But in a statement, the rapper admitted that his response was brash and apologised to those offended by it.

“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,” he said.

Illbliss said he had always been troubled by what he described as hostility towards Igbos whenever discussions about their contribution to development outside the South-East come up.

“I have always been baffled at how hostile certain factions have been towards Igbos when it comes to developing areas outside the South-East,” he added.

The rapper, however, stressed that Lagos remains home to many Nigerians, including Igbos, and should be treated with respect.

“We live here and it’s our home and we will always treat it as such. Thank you and stay blessed,” he said.

The apology comes after his earlier tweet triggered heated reactions on X, with many users accusing him of making an inflammatory statement about Lagos land ownership.

Others, however, argued that his comment was made in response to ethnic insults directed at Igbos.

Illbliss is one of Nigeria’s respected hip-hop figures and is also known for his role in the political thriller, King of Boys.