Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of a former governor of Ekiti State, has drawn criticism following comments he made about the Igbo ethnic group and prominent business figures from the South-East.
Speaking at a meeting of the Kayhikers Club in Abuja, Isaac accused some wealthy Igbo individuals of prioritizing personal interests over collective concerns. He questioned why influential businessmen, including socialite and entrepreneur Obi Cubana, had not leveraged their access to the political establishment to seek a political resolution to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Isaac alleged that many Igbo men who display wealth on social media do not genuinely use their influence to support causes affecting their people. He argued that true selflessness, rather than public displays of affluence, was necessary to help others.
In his remarks, he referenced various security and political issues across the country, contrasting the responses of activists and community leaders in different regions. He maintained that those with access to power should engage authorities through dialogue rather than confrontation to address grievances such as Kanu’s detention.
Last night I think the Igbos were angry with me. I’m so sorry my children are Igbos; I went to Anambra for my win carrying. I’m a born polygamist with two wives—one white and one Black. The Black one is from Anambra, so I’m partly Igbo.
“Igbos are the greediest Nigerians you can ever meet. We have activists in Nigeria; we have a guy called Sunday Igboho; we have bandits chasing us from the North, and you see one man called Gumi saying no, they need money, and it’s because there is no education.
“There is another guy called Nnamdi Kanu; where is he? He’s in Sokoto, and your brother Obi Cubana is wearing the mandate that they can’t use the political power to negotiate and bring their brother out.
“I didn’t say that they should fight, but they are at the corridor of power. You give me this, and you release my brother, and I don’t know their source of wealth. They are oppressors; the moment you have decided to be selfless, you are able to help others.”
The comments have since generated reactions, particularly from members of the Igbo community, with many describing the remarks as divisive and unfair.
