Nigerian billionaire and renowned businessman, Obinna Iyiegbu, better known as Obi Cubana, has shared the touching story behind the much-publicized funeral he organized for his mother.
In a candid interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Obi Cubana explained the deeper reasons for going all out for his mother’s burial, which caught the attention of the entire nation.
Obi Cubana revealed that no one in his family had ever lived to see the age of 80. His father passed away at 66, his grandfather at 78, and his father’s younger brother at 75. Determined to break this apparent generational curse, Obi Cubana often encouraged his mother, celebrating her birthdays with the hope that she would reach 80.
In my family, I am saying it for the first time: nobody has lived up to 80. My father died at 66, my father’s brother died at 75, my grandfather died at 78, and I told my mum, you will break this. I told her to break it if it’s a generational curse or something. I promised her that for the burial I would throw for her, nobody would break, and we started saving up for that,” he shared.
Unfortunately, despite their hopes, Obi Cubana’s mother passed away just shy of her 79th birthday on December 31st. Though she came close to breaking the curse, the family decided to celebrate her life in the grandest way possible, as they had been saving for this moment for years.
The 2021 funeral, held in Oba, Anambra State, was nothing short of spectacular. The event brought Obi Cubana into the limelight, as it attracted top business executives, celebrities, and entertainers, including Davido, Dbanj, KCee, E-Money, Poco Lee, and Ubi Franklin, as well as actors like Kanayo Kanayo, Alex Ekubo, and Williams Uchemba. The ceremony, marked by the grandeur and opulence on display, resonated across Nigeria for weeks, with the high point being when Obi Cubana received 246 cows from his friends as a show of support.
Reflecting on his journey, Obi Cubana recounted how life was not always easy. In 2022, he shared a story about how circumstances nearly ruined his convocation at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He recalled traveling by night bus with friends due to its affordability, only to lose a valuable gift from his uncle, which nearly marred the celebration of his academic success.
Despite these early challenges, Obi Cubana’s story is one of triumph and philanthropy. Today, he is known not only for his business acumen but also for his generosity. He once gifted 20 of his former classmates two million Naira each and provided a scholarship to Ekuma Jeremiah, a viral pure water hawker, changing the young man’s life.
Obi Cubana’s charitable deeds and impressive business accomplishments have earned him widespread recognition, including a Doctorate in Business Administration from Enugu State University.
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