Obi Cubana demands Kanu release for Igbo peace
Businessman and socialite Obi Cubana has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that lasting peace among the Igbo people hinges on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB.
In a public statement, Cubana described Nigeria’s current mood as “perplexed and downcast,” pointing to rising insecurity across the country. He cited recent crises including kidnappings in Kebbi State, attacks on churchgoers in Kwara, the killing of a Brigadier General, and most importantly, Kanu’s life sentence.
According to Cubana, he has already engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions with key political figures — including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Tinubu around strategies that could lead to Kanu’s release.
He stressed that the detention of Kanu carries emotional, cultural, and political weight for the Igbo community. “No Igbo man or woman will have peace if MNK does not regain his freedom, and Ala Igbo will never be the same again,” he said.
Cubana appealed to Tinubu to “heed the cry of our people” and pushed for a solution through constructive dialogue and negotiation rather than further division. He emphasized that true nation-building requires listening, and that releasing Kanu would help restore trust and stability.
In a more pointed political warning, Cubana told Tinubu that without Kanu’s release, the president may struggle to win significant support in the South-East in the 2027 elections.
