By Agboola Aluko – GLiDE NEWS
O n April 12, 2025, popular Nigerian nightlife promoter and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, sparked public outrage after wearing a cap branded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign logo to the 50th birthday celebration of his associate and hospitality mogul, Obi Cubana. What was expected to be a high-spirited celebration quickly spiraled into controversy as Nigerians across social media criticized the gesture as tone-deaf and politically insensitive.
The Incident
Cubana Chief Priest, well-known for his flamboyance and close ties with Nigeria’s elite, arrived at the event in grand fashion. However, it wasn’t his outfit or entourage that caught public attention—it was a seemingly simple accessory: a cap emblazoned with the “infinity” symbol associated with President Tinubu’s 2023 campaign. Within hours, social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with reactions ranging from disbelief to fierce condemnation.
Critics viewed the cap as a political endorsement and questioned the timing and setting of the gesture. Many felt it was an insult to struggling Nigerians who continue to face the brunt of economic hardship. Some voices on social media accused the socialite of mocking the people’s suffering by aligning himself with a government widely criticized for rising inflation, subsidy removals, and worsening living conditions.
Others pointed to the irony that while many ordinary citizens are reportedly harassed or discouraged from expressing political opinions, elite figures like Chief Priest flaunt political symbols with impunity.
Accusations of Opportunism
The backlash ignited renewed debates about Cubana Chief Priest’s perceived opportunism. Social media users accused him of using the moment to curry favor with political power brokers, with many describing his actions as self-serving and calculated. Critics argue that his public persona has long thrived on visibility and clout, regardless of public sentiment.
Chief Priest has had a history of aligning himself with influential figures, both in business and politics. His brand—fueled by extravagant displays of wealth and close proximity to celebrities—has drawn both admiration and criticism. The birthday event, which gathered Nigeria’s high society under one roof, appeared to be a perfect stage for yet another headline-making stunt.
This incident follows earlier controversies, including his public feud and reconciliation with Obi Cubana, and a January 2025 altercation with singer Burna Boy, where he boasted about his wealth pre-dating Burna’s rise to stardom.
A Polarizing Persona
Born on March 26, 1981, Cubana Chief Priest has become a symbol of luxury and nightlife entrepreneurship in Nigeria. His rise to fame came largely through his association with the Cubana Group and the management of upscale nightclubs in the Southeast. With millions of followers on Instagram, he showcases a lifestyle filled with expensive cars, jewelry, and lavish parties.
However, such public displays have not shielded him from controversy. In 2024, he faced legal proceedings initiated by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly abusing the naira by spraying cash at events. While he pleaded not guilty and was released on bail, the incident further reinforced his image as someone who pushes boundaries for public attention.
The birthday cap stunt has now been added to the list of actions that many view as symbolic of a tone-deaf elite disconnected from the realities of everyday Nigerians.
Political Implications
The outrage also stems from the political context. President Tinubu’s presidency has been deeply polarizing. Elected in 2023 with 37% of the vote, his administration has faced accusations of electoral irregularities, though the results were upheld by the Supreme Court. Economic dissatisfaction remains high, particularly in the southeast, where Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest both hail from—a region largely supportive of Peter Obi, a key opposition figure in the 2023 race.
In that light, Chief Priest’s decision to wear the cap of a sitting president from a rival political base has been interpreted as a betrayal by many, particularly young Nigerians and southeast residents who feel increasingly alienated by the federal leadership.
Divided Public Opinion
While criticism was widespread, some Nigerians attempted to downplay the backlash, arguing that the cap was merely a personal fashion statement and not a deliberate political endorsement. Others suggested it reflected the reality of Nigeria’s power structure—where the wealthy elite continue to mingle and collaborate across party lines, while the masses remain bitterly divided by politics.
Chief Priest himself has yet to comment publicly on the controversy, but his silence has only fueled more speculation about his motives. Given his history of using publicity—negative or not—to maintain relevance, some observers believe the backlash was anticipated, if not strategically invited.
Conclusion
Cubana Chief Priest’s decision to wear a Tinubu-branded cap at Obi Cubana’s landmark birthday celebration has once again placed him at the center of national conversation. Whether interpreted as a political statement, publicity stunt, or simple fashion choice, the cap has come to symbolize much more in Nigeria’s highly charged political and economic climate.
For many, it was a reminder of the widening gap between elites and ordinary citizens—a divide characterized by privilege, performative loyalty, and political posturing. As Nigeria continues to wrestle with economic uncertainty, the actions of public figures like Cubana Chief Priest are increasingly scrutinized, with each gesture weighing heavily on a frustrated and vigilant populace.
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