• Obi Cubana describes online backlash over City Boy Movement role as unprecedented
• Businessman urges supporters to avoid abuse, promote issue-based political engagement
• City Boy Movement targets youth mobilisation ahead of 2027 elections
Popular entrepreneur and socialite, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has described the public reactions trailing his appointment as South-East leader of the City Boy Movement (CBM) as unprecedented.
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Cubana spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the official presentation of the CBM Guideline and Flag, handed over to him by the Director-General of the movement, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga.
Addressing the backlash on social media, Cubana said he personally manages his online platforms and intentionally maintains a standard that discourages negativity and abusive exchanges.
“I keep my page clean because I can’t descend to the level of negativity. Wherever they choose to go low, we choose to go higher,” he said.
He cautioned his supporters against engaging critics aggressively, stressing that political disagreements should be handled through education, enlightenment and consistency, rather than insults.
“You cannot use abuse to teach people what is right. When they abuse you, you educate them. Over time, the results will speak for themselves,” Cubana said.
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He described the current political atmosphere as a period of transition, noting that a “wind of change” is blowing across Nigeria’s political space and should be embraced with focus and resilience.
Cubana urged youths and supporters to remain disciplined, avoid distractions and commit to constructive engagement, adding that consistency would ultimately deliver meaningful results.
The businessman also formally announced his entry into politics, calling for a new culture of clean, issue-driven political participation led by young Nigerians.
According to him, his political involvement represents a distinct brand rooted in positivity, discipline and responsible communication, while emphasising that youths remain the backbone of national development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing interest in youth development, noting that leadership would inevitably be transferred to younger generations.
“At some point, power will be handed over, and there is no other group to hand it over to than the youth,” he said.
In his remarks, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, described Cubana as a committed patriot whose dedication to service transcends partisan politics.
Alao-Akala praised Cubana’s resolve in the face of criticism, saying his calm response to online attacks reflects courage and a genuine desire to contribute to national development.
“This is not about partisan politics but about service and doing what is right for Nigeria. Meaningful reforms often come with discomfort, especially at the early stages,” he said.
He added that while populist policies may win quick public approval, true leadership requires difficult decisions that ensure long-term economic stability.
Earlier, the CBM Director-General, Oluwatosin Shoga, formally welcomed Cubana and described the large turnout of supporters as evidence of growing momentum within the movement.
Shoga said the City Boy Movement is focused on reshaping political consciousness among young Nigerians and preparing business leaders and professionals for leadership roles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If you are not involved, you cannot change the story,” he said.
He explained that the movement aims to groom young Nigerians for elective and appointive positions, including governorship, legislative and ministerial roles, describing Cubana’s appointment as a reflection of confidence in his leadership capacity.