Obinna Iyiegbu: Obi Cubana biography and life

There are a few names that still make the Nigerian internet go agog when mentioned; Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, ranks high on this list. Obi Cubana had established himself as a media personality following the July 2021 event when his mother was buried.

Prior to the event, Obi Cubana was known as a Nigerian businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and brand ambassador but has since shown his level of affluence and evidence of being among the Nigerian top echelon.

Obi Cubana has achieved a feat worthy of mentioning. Thus, the article will shed more light on Obi Cubana's biography, personal life and controversies; another major key takeaway will be the burial ceremony of his mother and how the event became the highlight of 2021.

 Obi Cubana biography and education

Obinna Iyiegbu was born on April 12, 1975, in Oba, Anambra, to his parents, Mr and Mrs (Ezinne) Iyiegbu. Obi Cubana is an indigene of Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State and attended Central Primary School in his local government.

Obi Cubana went to Dennis Memorial Grammar School for his secondary education in Onitsha. After successfully scaling through his secondary education, Obi Cubana was admitted into the University of Nsukka to study Political Science.

In 1998, Obi Cubana graduated from the University of Nsukka with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political science. Obi Cubana proceeded to his National Youth Service in Abuja, where he served in the National Assembly.

 Obi Cubana's Personal life

In 2008, the billionaire socialite and business mogul Obi Cubana tied the knot with his beautiful wife, Ebele Iyiegbu (aka Lush baby). Obi Cubana's wife, Ebele Iyiegbu, is a lawyer and founder of a non-governmental organization, the KIEK foundation of the less privileged children. Obi Cubana has attributed his wealth and net worth to getting support and encouragement from his wife, Ebele Iyiegbu

Obi Cubana and Ebele Iyiegbu, have four sons, Alex 14; Ifeanyi, Ebube, 7; and Kosisochukwu Iyiegbu. The 47-year-old Obi Cubana told the press that he met his 43-year-old wife in Abuja.

Ebele Iyiegbu manages the Casa Cubana homes as the director at Casa Cubana homes and also works as a Legal Partner at Bryan Micheals & Associates. The couple has partnered to build the Cubana empire, with Obi Cubana taking the front seat as the face of the company.

Prior to the lavish burial of his mother, Obi Cubana had maintained a low profile. However, the event of the burial at Oba, Anambra opened brought Obi Cubana into the limelight.

 Obi Cubana: Mother's burial in Oba, Anambra

All roads led to Oba Anambra state for the burial of Obi Cubana's mother, Ezinne Iyiegbu, in July 2021.

The three-day burial carnival became a trending story after Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief priest, a close associate of Obi Cubana, delivered 46 cows to support the burial.

Obi Cubana told BBC that he promised his mom a dramatic 80th birthday celebration, but unfortunately, she passed at 75. Thus his decision to host a big celebration. Although Obi Cubana said he did not envisage the crowd, his friends rallied support by sending monetary and physical gifts.

Based on reports, Obi Cubana received no less than 400 cows for his mother's burial. Displays of wealth characterized his mother's burial.

Important dignitaries were seen with stacks of naira notes; videos of Nollywood veteran, Kanayo .O. Kanaya with bundles of naira notes also surfaced. Obi Cubana was seen being sprayed with wads of naira notes in different denominations.

Immediately after the July 16-18 burial carnival of Obi Cubana's mother, the, the 47-year-old, began to receive interview invitations from press agencies. Of course, Obi Cubana granted the interviews and narrated how the burial event was planned. According to him, he would not teach people how to spend their money.

Narrating his source of wealth, Obi Cubana pointed to his chain of businesses under the Cubana Group. Stating that he built his empire from scratch with hard work and consistency.

The expressive show of wealth was massive until it caught law enforcement agencies' attention. He had been targeted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

 Obi Cubana's arrest and detention

In November 2021, Obi Cubana was arrested and detained by the EFCC over alleged money laundering and tax fraud. Although the details of his arrest were unclear, reports stated that Obi Cubana faced the risk of doing time in prison if found guilty. After three days, the socialite and businessman Obi Cubana was released from EFCC custody.

In January 2022, Obi Cubana was invited by the NDLEA on alleged drug trafficking allegations. The business mogul, Obi Cubana, presented himself at the Abuja headquarters of the anti-drug agency. The Chairman of Cubana Group was grilled over funds paid into his companies' accounts by convicted dealers from India, Malaysia, and Nigeria.

Speaking on the investigation for alleged drug money, Cubana, in an Instagram live chat with Daddy Freeze, said linking him with drugs was a blow to him and made him feel so low.

Through all the hurdles of EFCC and NDLEA, Obi Cubana has forged ahead by strategizing and growing his Cubana group businesses.

Obi Cubana's new venture shows potential for growth with the rate of publicity around the Odogwu bitter brand. Hopefully, the billionaire's net worth is about to hit the roof.

 Obi Cubana business career and net worth

Obi Cubana is the founder of the conglomerate Cubana Group. The Cubana Group has numerous affiliates focused on hospitality and nightclubs. These business achievements have earned a great deal of wealth for Obi Cubana.

The socialite unveiled his new business product, Odogwu Bitters, on March 25, 2022 and was able to sign Nollywood actors Alex Ekubo, Zubby Micheal, skit maker Broda Shaggi and Mr Jollof as brand ambassadors.

Clacified has an article with more detail about Obi Cubana's net worth and businesses.