Social commentator and businessman Isaac Fayose has triggered a firestorm of controversy after accusing prominent Igbo elites of prioritizing personal wealth and political relevance over securing the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
In a viral video that has since dominated online discourse, the younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose delivered a blistering critique of what he described as selective activism and selfish interests among influential figures from the South-East.
Contrasting Fates: Igboho vs Kanu
Fayose drew sharp comparisons between the homecoming of Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho—who has been cleared of charges and is reportedly set to receive a chieftaincy title—and Kanu's continued detention at the Sokoto custodial centre following his 2025 terrorism conviction.
"We have activists in Nigeria. We have a guy called Sunday Igboho. He's back home now, they even want to give him chieftaincy," Fayose said. "We have Nnamdi Kanu—where is he? He's in Sokoto. And your brothers are wearing a mandate but cannot use political power to negotiate and bring their brother out."
He questioned why wealthy Igbo businessmen with access to the corridors of power have not leveraged their political connections to secure Kanu's release through dialogue rather than confrontation.
"You give me this, I wear your cap, you release my brother. I didn't say they should fight, but they are at the corridor of power," he added.
Singling Out Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest
Fayose specifically named socialites Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest, questioning their sources of wealth and accusing them of prioritizing personal enrichment over collective Igbo interests.
"I don't know their source of wealth. I am a billionaire, and I'm worth £11 million. You can trace mine," he asserted, challenging the transparency of the nightlife entrepreneurs' fortunes.
He further described some wealthy Igbos as "oppressors" who visit their villages merely to intimidate kinsmen with exotic cars and police escorts rather than effect meaningful change.
Fierce Pushback: "Power Pass Power"
The remarks drew an immediate and scathing response from Cubana Chief Priest, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu. Taking to Instagram, the Imo State-born entrepreneur launched a blistering counter-attack, defending his alliance with President Bola Tinubu's administration.
"Over 30 governors align and you are crying because an ordinary businessman aligned? Power pass power," Chief Priest wrote.
He argued that as a businessman employing over 1,000 Nigerians, his choice to collaborate with the government rather than oppose it is strategic, not cowardly. "You want me to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu by being in opposition? I have chosen my path—business and politics," he stated.
Chief Priest also challenged Fayose to a public business debate, questioning his contributions to Ekiti State despite his brother's eight-year gubernatorial tenure.
"Your brother was governor for eight years—what were you able to achieve for the people?" he queried, adding that Fayose's "entire net worth is in my wardrobe as shoes, clothes, bags, watches, and accessories."
Broader Criticisms and Defenses
Fayose's comments also touched on northern cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, whom he accused of advocating for negotiations with bandits rather than their arrest. "He still says no, don't arrest them, they need money. Leave them. It's because of no education," Fayose remarked.
The social commentator maintained that his marital ties to an Anambra woman—one of his two wives—exempt him from accusations of tribalism. "I am partly Igbo. I'm not saying this to hate them," he insisted. "Igbos are the most greedy Nigerians you can ever meet. They are easily bought with money and power."
Divided Public Reaction
The controversy has split public opinion. Some social media users condemned Fayose's sweeping ethnic generalizations as unfair and divisive.
"Fayose's statements go beyond critiquing leaders and slip into sweeping ethnic stereotypes that are unfair," X user @Idris_senator wrote. "Calling an entire group 'greedy' based on the actions of a few elites fuels unnecessary ethnic tension."
Others, however, argued that Fayose's critique targeted specific elites rather than the broader Igbo populace. "@Okwkudilidave" noted: "Fayose's claim isn't about the poor man on the street; it's about the elite who have traded the region's freedom for political relevance and government patronage. You said it as it is, sir."
The heated exchange underscores deepening discourse around the responsibilities of politically connected elites, the ethics of wealth accumulation, and the unresolved question of Nnamdi Kanu's fate—a conversation that shows no signs of cooling.
Posts
0 Comments