By Esther Onyegbula

Prominent businessman and Chairman of the Cubana Group, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has clarified his recent remarks in Enugu amid public backlash, insisting that his comments were misconstrued and taken out of context.

Reacting to criticisms trailing a viral clip from his speech, the entrepreneur said the widely circulated version of his address was a brief excerpt that failed to capture the full message he delivered.
According to him, a speech that lasted over three minutes was reduced to about ten seconds, thereby distorting its intent and meaning.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Igbo, Iyiegbu maintained that his remarks were never intended to insult the Igbo people but rather to draw attention to pressing issues affecting the region, including civic responsibility, patience, and informed participation in governance.

“My speech was perhaps deliberately misunderstood. I did not intend to insult Ndigbo. I spoke out of concern and a desire for progress, and I remain fully committed to the unity and development of our people,” he said.

He stressed that in a democratic setting, citizens have the fundamental right to support candidates of their choice without fear, urging Ndi Igbo to exercise this right peacefully and responsibly.

Clarifying the controversial aspect of his speech, Iyiegbu explained that his comments were aimed at encouraging greater involvement of the South-East in governance processes to avoid marginalisation in the allocation of projects and development opportunities.
He dismissed claims suggesting that he described Ndigbo as lacking knowledge, insisting such interpretations were inaccurate and misleading.

Reaffirming his ties to the region, the businessman highlighted his longstanding contributions to the economic and social development of Igboland, noting that his interventions have consistently been driven by a desire to promote peace, unity, and prosperity.

“As a proud son of the soil, everything I have said and done has always been in the interest of progress, peace, and prosperity for Ndigbo,” he added.

He further called on Igbo people at home and in the diaspora to remain united and avoid narratives capable of creating division, urging a collective focus on building a stronger and more prosperous region.

Iyiegbu also reiterated his belief in the resilience and enterprise of the Igbo people, advocating sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility as key drivers of development.