Popular Nigerian nightlife entrepreneur and socialite, Okechukwu Pascal, widely known as Cubana Chiefpriest, has publicly clashed with Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, over comments concerning the political stance of the Igbo community under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The dispute began after Isaac Fayose shared a video on Instagram criticizing what he described as the alleged abandonment of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by prominent Igbo figures. In the video, Fayose suggested that influential individuals from the South-East had failed to rally strongly behind Kanu, who remains in detention.
Drawing a comparison, Fayose referenced Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho, who had previously faced charges related to arms possession and other allegations in Nigeria before his legal issues were resolved, allowing him to return home. He implied that Yoruba leaders and business figures played a significant role in supporting Igboho during his ordeal, and questioned why a similar level of collective effort had not been mobilized for Kanu.
Chiefpriest, however, strongly rejected Fayose’s assertions. In a series of posts on his Instagram page, the socialite defended his decision to align with the current federal government, describing it as a calculated and pragmatic move necessary for business growth and stability. According to him, aligning with those in power does not signify weakness, but rather strategic thinking—especially for entrepreneurs responsible for large workforces.
He argued that it was unrealistic to expect private businessmen to negotiate the release of political detainees, stressing that such matters are beyond the influence of individuals in the private sector. Chiefpriest challenged Fayose to identify any specific Yoruba businessman who directly facilitated Sunday Igboho’s return, questioning the basis of his claims.
The businessman also took the confrontation further by questioning Fayose’s track record and credibility in business. He called for an open debate on entrepreneurship and wealth creation, asserting that his own success is visible and verifiable. Chiefpriest noted that he employs more than 1,000 people through his ventures, emphasizing that maintaining cordial relations with the government is essential to protecting the livelihoods of those who depend on him.
In his remarks, he maintained that he has deliberately chosen a path that blends business interests with political engagement, rather than confrontation. For him, economic empowerment and enterprise development take precedence over political activism, particularly when jobs and investments are at stake.
The exchange has since sparked conversations online about the role of business leaders in political advocacy, ethnic solidarity, and the balance between economic pragmatism and political loyalty in Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.
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