Update: Beauty Influencer Jackie Aina Apologizes After Receiving Backlash For Naming Her Candle Collection, Sòrò Sókè – A Slogan Used During The End SARS Protests

Update: Beauty Influencer Jackie Aina Apologizes After Receiving Backlash For Naming Her Candle Collection, Sòrò Sókè – A Slogan Used During The End SARS Protests

Update #1: Jackie Aina has issued a public apology. See below.

Original Story: Beauty influencer/Youtuber Jackie Aina has found herself in the middle of some controversy!

The well-known Nigerian American influencer just released a collection of candles and launched it at her 35th birthday celebration amongst other social media influencers, friends and family. Reportedly, the candles come in four fragrances: Sòrò Sókè, No Wahala, Soft Life and Spice of Life. While this seems like a harmless business venture, many fans are calling Jackie Aina out over her  Sòrò Sókè candles.

Welcome to Owambe! We are celebrating life and inviting you all to be a part of it. The collection features 4 new fragrances: Sòrò Sókè, No Wahala, Soft Life and Spice of Life. All candles are available NOW on our website and @sephora !!! pic.twitter.com/DUjwKDkcjK

— FORVR MOOD (@Forvrmood) August 4, 2022

Jackie Aina

According to reports, Sòrò Sókè is reminiscent of a darkened time in the country’s history. During the End SARS (the Special Anti Robbery Squad) protests men, women and children protested in the major cities and towns of Nigeria against police brutality and they had the slogan ‘Sòrò Sókè’, which means to speak louder or speak up. Many youths were killed and arrested during the protests.

Many people believe that her naming the candles Sòrò Sókè is insensitive and means that she is trivializing the lives that were lost. One social media user wrote:

“Dear Non-Nigerians, The reason why this is receiving so much backlash is because Jackie Aina shamelessly named one of the candles “Soro Soke” which translates into “speak up”. It was one of the rallying cries during EndSars. But Jackie was notably silent during the protests” 

Another user said,

“People died for a cause! One you didn’t even lend your voice and you’re using it to sell scented candle? Shame on you @Forvrmood @jackieaina”

See more reactions below:

End SARS is a decentralised social movement, and series of mass protests against police brutality in Nigeria. The slogan calls for the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a notorious unit of the Nigerian Police with a long record of abuse on Nigerian citizens.

Jackie Aina

Jackie Aina has yet to speak out about the controversy and backlash.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

[VIA]