Isaac Fayose Sparks National Debate After Calling Igbos “Most Greedy Nigerians” — Cubana Chief Priest Fires Back in Explosive Social Media Clash
Nigeria’s ever-volatile political and ethnic discourse took another dramatic turn after businessman and political commentator Isaac Fayose made highly controversial remarks about the Igbo ethnic group in a viral video clip that has since dominated social media conversations.
Fayose, who is the younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, accused prominent Igbo businessmen of prioritizing personal wealth and political alignment over collective advocacy — specifically referencing the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The heated exchange that followed — particularly between Fayose and nightlife entrepreneur Cubana Chief Priest — has ignited fresh debate about ethnic unity, political loyalty, elite responsibility, and Nigeria’s deeply sensitive tribal fault lines.
The Viral Clip That Started It All
In the widely circulated video, Isaac Fayose allegedly described Igbos as “the most greedy Nigerians,” accusing wealthy Igbo elites of focusing on business and political alliances rather than mobilizing for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has remained in detention since 2021 after being re-arrested and extradited to Nigeria to face terrorism-related charges. His case has become a lightning rod in national politics, particularly in the South-East region, where many view his detention as politically motivated. The Federal Government, however, maintains that the charges stem from alleged incitement and separatist agitation.
Fayose questioned why influential Igbo figures — including nightlife mogul and businessman Obi Cubana — have not been more vocal about Kanu’s situation. He pointed to recent political activities involving some Igbo celebrities, including participation in youth mobilization groups perceived to be supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In particular, Fayose referenced imagery of Cubana wearing a Tinubu-branded cap, contrasting it with Kanu’s continued incarceration. The implication was clear: he believes some elites have chosen political alignment and personal advancement over ethnic solidarity.
The Irony: Fayose’s Personal Connection to the Igbo Community
One notable element that intensified reactions was the fact that Isaac Fayose is married to an Igbo woman. Critics quickly highlighted this, accusing him of hypocrisy and reckless generalization.
Supporters, however, argued that his marital ties do not invalidate his opinion, claiming he was addressing what he perceives as elite disunity rather than attacking ordinary Igbo citizens.
The comment section across multiple platforms quickly split into two camps:
Those who praised Fayose for “speaking uncomfortable truths”
Those who condemned him for ethnic stereotyping and inflammatory rhetoric
Given Nigeria’s history of ethnic tensions — particularly between the South-East and other regions — the remarks struck a particularly sensitive chord.
Cubana Chief Priest Responds — No Holding Back
The controversy escalated further when Cubana Chief Priest, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, fired back publicly.
In what many described as a fiery rebuttal, Cubana responded:
> “Isaac Fayose, you can never make it into this room. This picture alone is worth more than 20 million pounds.”
The remark was widely interpreted as a dismissal of Fayose’s status and influence. The exchange quickly shifted from political commentary to a personal status battle, with both men trading indirect and direct jabs.
Fayose had earlier appeared to belittle Cubana, reportedly stating:
> “Me and you are not on the same level… you can’t compare day and night. You’re a little boy.”
What began as a discussion on ethnic responsibility had now morphed into a public ego clash between two high-profile personalities.
Social Media Erupts: Support, Criticism, and Insults
As expected, Nigerian social media users did not hold back.
Some reactions targeted Cubana Chief Priest directly, accusing him of prioritizing political proximity over communal loyalty. Others defended him, arguing that business leaders are not obligated to become political activists.
One viral comment read:
> “If Nigeria had strong laws, you would be in jail like Hushpuppi.”
Another mocked his alleged inability to support family members without external help, referencing Burna Boy’s reported assistance to Cubana’s younger brother.
The online environment quickly deteriorated into personal attacks, mockery, and ethnic-based arguments — underscoring how fragile Nigeria’s social fabric can become when celebrity influence intersects with politics.
The Nnamdi Kanu Factor: Why the Issue Remains Sensitive
To understand why Fayose’s comments resonated so strongly, one must understand the symbolic weight of Nnamdi Kanu’s case.
Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been at the center of agitation for Biafran independence. While IPOB has been designated a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government, many in the South-East argue that the designation is politically motivated.
Court proceedings surrounding Kanu’s detention have experienced multiple adjournments, jurisdictional disputes, and appeals. In 2022, Nigeria’s Court of Appeal ordered his release, but the Supreme Court later overturned that ruling, allowing the Federal Government to proceed with prosecution.
This legal back-and-forth has fueled regional frustration.
For some supporters of Kanu, wealthy Igbo elites are expected to use influence and resources to lobby more aggressively for his release. Others believe business leaders should avoid involvement in separatist-linked controversies to protect their enterprises.
Fayose’s criticism appears rooted in this divide.
Politics, Business, and Ethnic Identity in Nigeria
Nigeria’s political culture has long been intertwined with ethnic identity. Voting patterns, political appointments, and business alliances are often interpreted through tribal lenses.
The 2023 general elections, which saw President Bola Tinubu emerge victorious, were marked by heightened ethnic rhetoric, particularly following the strong South-East support for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
The alignment of certain Igbo business figures with federal power structures has therefore attracted scrutiny from segments of the population who view political neutrality as betrayal.
However, others argue that economic survival and strategic alliances are practical necessities in Nigeria’s business environment.
This tension forms the backdrop of Fayose’s remarks.
Is It a Call-Out or Dangerous Generalization?
A critical question remains: Was Isaac Fayose making a political critique of elite behavior, or did he cross into ethnic stereotyping?
Nigeria’s Constitution prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, and hate speech remains a growing concern in digital spaces. Analysts have repeatedly warned that inflammatory language from public figures can deepen societal divisions.
At the same time, political commentary in Nigeria is often blunt, emotionally charged, and hyperbolic — especially online.
Some observers believe Fayose’s comments were less about ethnicity broadly and more about what he sees as selective activism among wealthy individuals.
Yet phrasing matters. Generalizing an entire ethnic group as “greedy” carries weight in a country still grappling with the legacy of civil war and persistent ethnic distrust.
Celebrity Influence and Political Messaging
The exchange also highlights how Nigerian celebrities increasingly influence political narratives.
Figures like Cubana Chief Priest command millions of followers. A single image — such as wearing a political cap — can spark widespread interpretation and debate.
In the social media age, optics often outweigh nuance.
Political branding, celebrity endorsements, and youth mobilization strategies have become central tools in modern Nigerian politics. This makes high-profile personalities particularly vulnerable to scrutiny and criticism.
The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s Ongoing Identity Struggle
Beyond the personalities involved, this controversy reflects a larger national conversation.
What responsibility do wealthy elites owe their ethnic communities?
Should business leaders engage in political advocacy?
Where is the line between criticism and ethnic incitement?
Can Nigeria move beyond tribal framing in public discourse?
These questions remain unresolved.
Conclusion: A Moment That Reflects Deeper Fault Lines
The clash between Isaac Fayose and Cubana Chief Priest may eventually fade from trending topics, but the issues it exposed remain significant.
Ethnic identity, political loyalty, business survival, and public perception continue to collide in Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.
While some see Fayose’s remarks as a bold critique of perceived elite complacency, others view them as reckless generalization in a country that can ill afford more division.
One thing is certain: in Nigeria’s digital era, words travel fast — and their consequences travel even faster.
As debates continue, the real challenge lies not in who “won” the social media exchange, but in whether conversations about unity, responsibility, and justice can happen without deepening the cracks in an already fragile national conversation.
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