Anthony Iwuoma
It is no longer news that many Nigerians were taken aback by the sheer display of wealth during the recent burial of the mother of Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest in Oba, Anambra State.
Friends and associates of the 46-year-old billionaire donated heavily in support of their own, including cash and materials like 246 cows, which is enough to open a ranch or ranches.
Cubana’s beloved mother, who died in December 2020, was also reportedly buried with a pendant and neckpiece worth $100,000.
This extravaganza set tongues wagging as to who this entrepreneur really is and his source of wealth.
However, the Chief Priest has addressed all his critics and unveiled the myth behind his personality.
“I want to state this clearly, I am not the talking type or Social media interest free person
“Many have questioned the type of boys and friends I have, to me, I hardly address anyone as my boy because we are all boys to God Almighty.
“I don’t have any boy who is into rituals, if you are my boy or my man because I like to address my boys as my men, it means you are working hard and you made your money in a clean way,” Cubana said.
The nightlife boss also talked about his huge invedtments in silent philanthropy.
“In 2013, I pushed 53 uneducated Oba boys into the market to learn trading. In 2017, I withdrew all of them from their Ogas and settled all of them with 3million Naira each and paid for their shops.
“I linked 40 of them into importation and made them use my name and platform to import goods into the country. After two years, I checked on them how they were doing and find out some had issues and I supported them again to stand.
“I am happy today that out of the 53 men, 38 are billionaires while the rest are in the level of a millionaire.
“In 2018, I took 100 educated men out of streets and introduced them to the white men for business and today there are billionaires in dollars.
“They also help me in their capacity when I require their help. All their friends both Nigeria and outside patronise me.
“I am into hotel and club business and I have so many businesses I am brand ambassadors to.
“I have an alliance with spirit drinks and wines, I am brand to many businesses in the world.
“It gives me joy to see my men do well, non of my hotel managers in Nigeria can small poverty, I encourage them to raise others from their local communities. I have never sacked a worker due to misconduct, I bring you in and speak to you the way you will understand.
“I have this understanding that we should allow the stubborn people to exist and cool-headed people to exist and we make use of them when their needs arise.
“I don’t believe in the supremacy of power rather I believe in the fare share of power and authority and allow everyone to feel belonged.
“I have many uncountable people through my hotel business, I have encouraged many, I have made a lot of friends millionaires and billionaires because it gives me joy. Seeing them throw money around gives me happiness and they know, so anytime there are with me, they show such attitude of throwing money to please me.”
The silent philanthropist is not yet done with charity, as he also disclosed his plans to invest N300 million to set up some of his townsfolk in business.
“Yes, I will gift 1 million to 300 Oba boys to start up business and link them up too to make it.
“I have a lot of friends and associates and we are like brothers to each other. We love and encourage one another in good and bad as you have seen in my case that all of them came massively to support me.”
Cubana said he had no problem with critics, adding that people with good intentions should not allow critics to deter them from their set goals.
“Critics is normal and there are there to say what they want to say but when you are doing the right thing, you don’t listen to what people say. If I have my way, I will also help those criticising me.
“A lot of non Obas will still benefit from me because I am still in the business of making people great.
“Cubana chief priest is my man and he is a jolly fellow. People mistake him for me, I am Obi Kubana and he is my Chief priest I hope you understand now.
“I am not into politics and I don’t have interest in it till tomorrow. I respect those in politics because dey carries power. Lol hahaha.”
Cubana advised other wealthy and privileged men, including politicians, to follow his example and spread the wealth around instead of keeping it to themselves alone.
“My advice is they should identify talents and make them great, don’t have any fear of who betrays you tomorrow, just make men and move if they remember good if not be happy that they made it through you.
“I didn’t ask my boys/men for donations or help, I didn’t also ask my friends for help or donations they did that on their own and I appreciated their efforts.
“Gradually ala Igbo ga adinma,” he concluded, praying for the good of Igbo land.