Businessman and popular social commentator Isaac Fayose has responded to the widespread reactions that followed a viral video showing him alongside Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and socialite Cubana Chief Priest singing and praying together. The footage sparked intense political debate on social media, with many supporters of the Obidient Movement accusing him of abandoning his political convictions.
Addressing the controversy, Fayose dismissed claims that the gathering signaled a political defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He insisted that while he maintains a cordial personal relationship with the Tinubu family, his political allegiance remains unchanged.
According to Fayose, the meeting was a private social gathering where several issues, including politics, were discussed openly. He described the atmosphere as relaxed and respectful, saying everyone present exchanged views freely on national matters.
“Yes, I spent quality time with Seyi Tinubu, Cubana Chief Priest and the rest last night. It was quality time. We discussed politics. We discussed everything discussable,” he explained.
Fayose recounted that as he prepared to leave, Seyi Tinubu insisted on escorting him to his vehicle. What followed, he said, was a spontaneous moment of prayer and worship.
“When I was leaving, Seyi said, ‘Uncle Isaac, let me walk you to your car.’ We got to my car, my driver pulled up, and we said, ‘Let’s pray.’ The Spirit came, we started singing, praising God and praying.”
He added that part of the prayer was offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that praying for the country's leader should not be interpreted as political endorsement.
“Seyi is my brother, and I love him dearly. We prayed for his father, who is my President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That doesn’t mean I am APC. I’m still 101% Obidient,” Fayose stated.
Fayose further emphasized that his friendship with the Tinubu family predates politics and should not be mistaken for partisan loyalty. He maintained that political competition should never eliminate personal relationships or mutual respect.
“But Tinubu’s family are my family. They are my family. I love Tinubu. We prayed for him last night,” he said.
Despite the cordial relationship, Fayose revealed that he remained firm in expressing his political beliefs during the discussion. According to him, he confidently told those present that he still believes the Obidient Movement would emerge victorious in future political contests.
“We had a deep exchange about politics. We did our calculations, and I still told them, ‘We are going to win them.’ So this is politics without hate. Nothing. I’m still 100% Obidient.”
He added that politics should not create permanent enemies among Nigerians.
“I’m leading the campaign. No going back. Family is family. After politics, we’ll sit down together as a family.”
Fayose also rejected allegations circulating online that he had been financially induced to soften his criticism of the current administration or change political camps. He described such claims as baseless.
“To those sharing the video and saying Isaac has collected money, Isaac is a billionaire. I don’t need anybody’s dollar. Isaac just wants to see a beautiful country,” he declared.
The viral video has continued to generate mixed reactions across social media, with supporters and critics offering differing interpretations of the encounter. While some viewed the prayer session as a demonstration of political maturity and civility, others questioned whether close personal ties between figures from opposing political camps could influence public perception.
Fayose's clarification, however, leaves little room for ambiguity. He insists that friendship and family relationships can coexist with political rivalry, arguing that healthy democracy should accommodate disagreement without hatred. His position underscores the idea that political convictions need not come at the expense of personal relationships, even in Nigeria's increasingly polarized political environment.
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