In a fiery exchange that has captured public attention, Nigerian nightlife entrepreneur and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chiefpriest, has launched a scathing response to businessman Isaac Fayose over comments regarding Igbo political alignment. The controversy erupted after Fayose posted a video on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, criticizing Igbo elites for allegedly abandoning the struggle for the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu while pursuing personal benefits through government connections.
The Accusation: Allegations of Betrayal and Political Opportunism
Isaac Fayose, in his viral social media video, made pointed accusations against prominent Igbo businessmen from the South-East region. He claimed that no ethnic group betrays its own interests like the Igbos, specifically alleging that some influential figures had forgotten the agitation for Kanu's freedom in favor of political alliances with the current administration. Fayose singled out Cubana Chiefpriest as one of those who had allegedly abandoned the cause for personal gain through alignment with President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope" government.
Cubana Chiefpriest's Forceful Rebuttal
Responding through a lengthy Instagram post, Cubana Chiefpriest did not hold back in his counterattack. The celebrity barman described Fayose as "jealous and lacking sense," while vigorously defending his political positioning as a strategic move rather than abandonment of Igbo interests. Chiefpriest presented a detailed argument that being close to the government provides more effective influence to negotiate issues affecting his people, including the sensitive matter of Nnamdi Kanu's detention.
The socialite made several key points in his defense:
- He argued that negotiating Kanu's release requires working from within government structures rather than from opposition sidelines
- He questioned Fayose's own contributions, noting that his brother served as governor for eight years
- He challenged Fayose to a public business debate to compare achievements and wealth
- He emphasized his role as an employer of over 1,000 people, stating he cannot lead them into confrontations with authorities
Wealth Comparison and Political Strategy
In perhaps his most provocative statement, Cubana Chiefpriest claimed that Isaac Fayose's entire net worth equals the value of his shoes, bags, and watches. This wealth comparison highlighted the socialite's confidence in his business success while questioning his critic's standing. Chiefpriest further explained his political philosophy, comparing his approach to that of major Nigerian industrialists who maintain government relationships to advance their business interests.
"Aligning with the government could help me access funding for business ideas and expand my ventures," Chiefpriest stated, framing his political alignment as pragmatic business strategy rather than betrayal of ethnic solidarity.
Broader Political Implications and Future Stance
The exchange reveals deeper tensions within Nigerian political discourse, particularly regarding how ethnic groups navigate government relationships while advocating for their interests. Cubana Chiefpriest's response also touched on his broader political commitments, including his recent declaration that he would work against former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 elections. This position follows his appointment within the City Boy movement and reflects his evolving political engagement.
The controversy continues to spark debate about the appropriate role of business leaders in political advocacy, the effectiveness of different approaches to sensitive issues like Nnamdi Kanu's detention, and the complex relationship between ethnic solidarity and individual political strategy in Nigeria's diverse democracy.
