Isaac Fayose, businessman and brother of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, is facing criticism for accusing the Igbo people of greed and selfishness.
He specifically targeted Cubana Chief Priest for wearing a Tinubu cap instead of advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu following his 2025 terrorism conviction.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Monday night, Fayose spoke in Pidgin English and expressed relief that he is not of Igbo descent, claiming that the Igbo people easily align themselves with those in power when money and influence are involved.
“Thank God I’m not Igbo by tribe,” Fayose stated.
“That tribe is so easily swayed. Just wave money and power, and they will follow you like a puppy.”
He connected his comments to the ongoing detention of the IPOB leader, suggesting that while the Igbo community has progressed politically and socially, Nnamdi Kanu remains imprisoned.
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“Have you all forgotten Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto prison?” he asked.
Fayose contrasted Kanu’s plight with that of Sunday Igboho who has been cleared of past controversies and is now celebrated.
He also ridiculed what he called the public display of political loyalty among some Igbo supporters, referencing their wearing of campaign materials.
In response, Chief Priest shared a photo with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, mocking Fayose’s family legacy and defending his connections to President Tinubu’s circle.
Fayose countered by questioning Chief Priest’s wealth and reaffirming his criticism, even mentioning his own Igbo wife from Anambra State, as reactions to Kanu’s detention and comparisons with Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho’s recent return sparked ethnic divisions.
“Me and you are not on the same level…you can’t compare day and night. You’re a little boy! If we are in a normal country, you suppose dey jail by now… we don’t know the source of your wealth” he said.
Reacting to the development on X (formally Twitter), @Idris_senator said “Fayose’s statements go beyond critiquing leaders and slip into sweeping ethnic generalizations that are unfair and divisive.
“Calling an entire group “greedy” based on the actions of a few elites not only undermines constructive debate but also fuels unnecessary ethnic tension.
“Criticism of politicians and accountability is valid, but reducing millions of people to stereotypes is irresponsible and harmful”.
@akinlawo52 said: “I get uncomfortable when people make sweeping statements without evidence. You can’t generalise millions of people from a few encounters. How many of them do you actually know?
“Human beings are limited by exposure, information and access, and our conclusions often reflect those limits, not the truth about an entire tribe.”
@Okwkudilidave added: “Fayose’s claim that Igbos are “greedy” isn’t about the poor man on the street; it’s about the elite who have traded the region’s freedom for political relevance and government patronage.
“They want to fill their pockets and then tell villagers that’s all there is, you said it as it is, sir.”
