Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a televised interview with BBC Igbo, Nigerian businessman and social figure Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, publicly apologised to members of the Igbo community following controversy over remarks he made at an event in Enugu State that many interpreted as disparaging toward Igbo people. The clarification and apology aimed to address misunderstandings caused by a short excerpt of his speech that circulated widely on social media.
The controversy arose after clips from a speech Cubana delivered during a City Boy Movement event were shared online. In those clips, he was quoted as saying that Igbo people “lack knowledge,” particularly regarding understanding how governance and federal politics operate. Many viewers criticised the statement as insensitive or dismissive of the collective capabilities and political awareness of the Igbo community.
In his interview with BBC Igbo, Cubana explained that his full speech lasted about three minutes, but only around ten seconds were widely shared, leading to a misleading impression of his intent. He said his comments were intended to encourage political literacy and civic engagement among Nigerians, particularly in the South East, rather than insult or demean the community.
“What I said about Igbos lacking knowledge was misconstrued,” he said. “I spoke for about three minutes but only ten seconds of my speech was shared. What I meant was that our people do not understand how Government at the Centre works and that if we did, it would benefit us. You cannot throw the baby away with the bath water. I am sorry to anyone that feels offended by what I said.”
The apology received mixed reactions online. Some welcomed the clarification and interpreted it as a sincere attempt to provide context, noting that nuanced views on political engagement can be easily misread when reduced to short clips. Others remained critical, arguing that even in context, the phrasing could be hurtful and emphasised that public figures need to exercise caution when discussing entire ethnic groups.
The incident has also reignited broader conversations about ethnic identity, political participation, and how public figures communicate in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic society. The Igbo community, historically influential in commerce and politics, has long engaged in debates over political representation and how to navigate the federal system effectively.
Analysts noted that the controversy highlights the speed at which public discourse can escalate on social media, where brief clips often lack context and may lead to misunderstanding. In a nation with diverse communities, remarks from influential individuals are scrutinised closely, and misinterpretation can inflame tensions.
Obi Cubana, known for his business ventures and public influence, used the BBC interview to attempt to bridge the misunderstanding and acknowledge the sensitivities surrounding ethnic identity in national discourse. The apology serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity and careful communication when addressing issues that touch on communal identity and national participation.
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