Obi Cubana’s Reported Deletion of City Boy Movement Posts Fuels Speculation

By Arit Mbeh

Nigerian businessman and socialite Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, has reportedly removed several City Boy Movement-related posts from his Instagram page following backlash over his support for President Bola Tinubu.

The reported development comes weeks after the South-East coordinator of the pro-Tinubu support group failed to secure the APC ticket for the House of Representatives.

Checks on Obi Cubana’s Instagram page allegedly showed that posts linked to the City Boy Movement were no longer visible.

However, the businessman has yet to release an official statement concerning the alleged deletion. The City Boy Movement is a youth-oriented political platform established to promote President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The group has organised rallies, campus outreach programmes, empowerment initiatives, food drives, and relief material distributions across Nigeria.

Obi Cubana’s involvement with the movement sparked mixed reactions online, particularly among some South-East Nigerians who expected him to remain politically neutral or support a different political direction after the 2023 presidential election.

Despite the criticism, supporters of the businessman insisted that his political affiliation is a personal choice and should not attract hostility. They described him as a respected entrepreneur whose influence among young Nigerians could strengthen political mobilisation efforts in the South-East.

According to supporters, his acceptance of a leadership role within the City Boy Movement should be viewed as a strategic political decision rather than an emotional one. They also argued that political alliances are a normal part of democratic engagement and should not be seen as betrayal.

The defence of Obi Cubana’s appointment further stressed that freedom of association remains a fundamental democratic right, adding that every citizen is entitled to make political choices based on personal conviction and perceived opportunities to contribute positively.

Critics in the South-East, however, have continued to question his alignment with the movement, arguing that it conflicts with prevailing regional sentiments and has contributed to ongoing social media tension.

Supporters also argued that the South-East has often missed political opportunities because of emotionally driven decisions, urging stronger engagement with the federal government for development and national relevance.

Obi Cubana, who hails from Oba, is widely recognised for his contributions to Nigeria’s hospitality and entertainment industries, as well as his philanthropy, youth empowerment initiatives, and business mentorship programmes.

Reports indicate that his appointment into the City Boy Movement was facilitated by Seyi Tinubu, founder of the movement and son of President Tinubu.

Meanwhile, there are speculations that the reported removal of the posts may also be connected to the defeat of Pascal Okechukwu in the APC primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.

He lost the primary to incumbent lawmaker Canice Nwachukwu and later expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating that his biggest regret was “trusting the elders in the community” after polling 14 votes.