Nigerian businessman, socialite, entertainer and philanthropist Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in the country and the recent life sentence handed down to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the national mood as “perplexing” and “downcast.”
In a statement on Friday, Cubana said the series of events unfolding across Nigeria—from terrorist attacks to mass abductions—have left citizens shaken.
“The events of the past few days have left everyone perplexed and downcast,” he lamented.
“The designation of Nigeria by the USA as a country of particular concern, the kidnap of the schoolgirls in Kebbi, the kidnap of churchgoers in Kwara, the killing of a Brigadier-General, the sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and now the kidnap of over 50 students in Niger State. The mood in the country is so bad, and most reasonable people are worried.”
Obi Cubana revealed that he and other influential Nigerians have held two high-level meetings in the last three months—one with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and another with the son of the President—where key national issues were discussed, including insecurity, new tax policies, business challenges, and most importantly, the pursuit of a political solution for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
“I can tell you that numerous efforts have been going on on these issues,” he assured.
He urged restraint, unity, and patience within the Igbo community, stressing that emotions are currently running high.
“My dear brothers and sisters, this is no time to further divide us,” Cubana appealed. “A lot of people have been tirelessly working behind the scene, devoting time and resources to see our brother Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free and reunited with us.”
According to him, the continued detention of Kanu carries serious emotional and cultural weight for the Igbo nation.
“One thing is very clear here: No Igbo man or woman will have peace if MNK does not regain his freedom, and ala Igbo will NEVER be the same again,” he warned.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently.
“Our dear President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this is the time for you to heed the cry of our people and free Nnamdi Kanu.”
Obi Cubana emphasized that Nigeria must recommit to fairness, equality, and dialogue, noting that genuine nation-building rests on constructive engagement and political inclusion.
“We are working on a Nigeria where each of us can live and operate freely without fear regardless of ethnicity, religion, and culture. Constructive agitations remain the bedrock upon which great societies are built, but solutions will only be found on the negotiation table.”
