Cubana Chief Priest, Isaac Fayose trade words over Tinubu alliance
A heated exchange has erupted on social media as Cubana Chief Priest, Isaac Fayose trade words over Tinubu alliance, drawing attention to the intersection of celebrity influence, business interests, and partisan politics.
The controversy began after Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, shared a video criticising prominent southeastern figures who align with political power at the centre.
In the clip posted on Instagram, Fayose alleged that some Igbo elites are “easy to buy” if approached with money and influence — remarks that quickly stirred reactions online.
Although he did not initially name anyone, his comments were widely interpreted as targeting Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, following the nightlife entrepreneur’s recent visible association with the City Boy Movement — a political group aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Business versus activism
Responding publicly on Wednesday, Cubana Chief Priest defended his political alignment, framing his decision as a pragmatic move rooted in business considerations rather than ideological activism.
He argued that as an employer and investor in hospitality and real estate, strategic relationships are essential to sustaining and expanding his ventures.
According to him, numerous state governors and business leaders openly align with federal authorities without attracting criticism.
“Over 30 governors align and you are crying because an ordinary businessman aligned?” he wrote, suggesting that Fayose’s remarks unfairly singled him out.
The exchange escalated as Cubana Chief Priest challenged Fayose to what he described as a “business debate,” questioning the legitimacy and source of Fayose’s wealth.
He referenced the eight-year tenure of Fayose’s elder brother as Ekiti governor, implying that political proximity has long shaped economic fortunes in Nigeria.
The public spat illustrates how celebrity endorsements and political affiliations increasingly blur the line between entertainment and governance discourse.
City Boy Movement and Renewed Hope
Cubana Chief Priest’s association with the City Boy Movement has positioned him among public figures supporting President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He has previously expressed confidence in the administration’s policies, stating that his support aligns with his family’s long-term economic interests.
In his latest response, he reiterated that he has chosen to remain aligned with what he described as “the moving train,” reinforcing his backing of federal initiatives.
Political analysts note that the City Boy Movement has attracted influencers and business personalities who seek visibility within national political conversations. For some, this alignment represents ideological support; for others, it reflects strategic positioning in a complex economic climate.
The fact that Cubana Chief Priest, Isaac Fayose trade words over Tinubu alliance underscores how political alignment has become a flashpoint even among private-sector actors.
Identity and economic power
Fayose’s original remarks referencing ethnic vulnerability to money and power triggered broader debates about identity politics in Nigeria. Social media platforms were flooded with commentary defending or condemning his generalisation.
Critics described the comments as inflammatory, arguing that sweeping ethnic characterisations undermine national cohesion. Others interpreted them as criticism of elite opportunism rather than ordinary citizens.
Cubana Chief Priest, meanwhile, insisted that his political choices should not be conflated with ethnic representation. He emphasised his contributions to economic development, particularly in his home community, where he claims to have created jobs and invested in hospitality infrastructure.
He also distanced himself from activist expectations, stating that he is “not an activist” but a businessman focused on growth, partnerships, and stability.
The dispute highlights the growing role of social media as an arena for political contestation. Influential figures now use platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to shape narratives, mobilise supporters, and counter critics in real time.
Public feuds, especially those involving celebrities, often gain traction beyond entertainment circles, feeding into larger political discourse.
In this instance, the clash between Cubana Chief Priest and Isaac Fayose has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of wealthy entrepreneurs in politically charged environments.
Observers argue that public endorsements carry weight in Nigeria’s highly personalised political system.
As business leaders increasingly become cultural icons, their affiliations may influence perceptions within youth demographics.
Business interests in political alignment
Nigeria’s economic structure, heavily influenced by government policy and regulatory frameworks, often incentivises private actors to maintain cordial relationships with political authorities.
Hospitality, nightlife, and real estate — sectors in which Cubana Chief Priest operates — are particularly sensitive to licensing regimes, security considerations, and infrastructural support.
While some view political alignment as pragmatic business strategy, critics contend that public figures must exercise caution to avoid appearing transactional or opportunistic.
The controversy surrounding Cubana Chief Priest, Isaac Fayose trade words over Tinubu alliance reflects this tension between economic pragmatism and public accountability.
Public reaction remains divided
Online responses remain sharply divided. Supporters of Cubana Chief Priest argue that economic actors have the right to align with any administration they believe will foster growth.
Opponents, however, question whether such endorsements should be accompanied by critical engagement with governance outcomes.
Similarly, Fayose’s defenders frame his remarks as candid political commentary, while detractors accuse him of stoking ethnic division.
The episode illustrates how political conversations in Nigeria frequently intersect with celebrity culture, amplifying disputes that might otherwise remain confined to partisan circles.
As the 2026 political climate evolves, alliances between business figures and political movements are likely to attract increasing scrutiny. Public endorsements can shape perceptions, particularly when economic reforms and social welfare policies remain under national debate.
For now, the headline that Cubana Chief Priest, Isaac Fayose trade words over Tinubu alliance captures more than a social media quarrel; it signals the entanglement of influence, enterprise, and political alignment in contemporary Nigeria.
Whether the exchange will translate into deeper political engagement or fade as another viral episode remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that the boundaries between celebrity branding and political positioning continue to narrow — and audiences are watching closely.
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