Isaac Fayose, a popular businessman and socialite, has criticized prominent Igbo elites for selective negotiations and selfish interests in Nigeria’s political space.

In a viral video, Fayose contrasted the return of Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu’s life sentence.

He questioned why political influence could not be used to secure the release of detained protesters.

According to him, many leaders put personal gain ahead of collective interest.

He criticized the lack of strategic political engagement, citing socialites Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest as examples.

“We have activists in Nigeria. We have a guy called Sunday Igboho… he’s back home now, they even want to give him chieftaincy. We have Nnamdi Kanu — where is he? He’s in detention. And your brothers are wearing a mandate but cannot use political power to negotiate and bring their brother out,” Fayose said.

He argued that those in positions of influence could leverage their access to power more strategically instead of focusing primarily on personal enrichment.

Fayose also touched on the broader issue of insecurity in parts of the country, referencing banditry and controversial cleric Sheikh Gumi in his remarks.

The businessman maintained that transparency and selflessness are largely absent in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“I didn’t say you should fight, but you are in the corridor of power. You give me this, I wear your cap, you release my brother. Everybody is negotiating for their pocket… The moment we decide to be selfless, we’ll be able to help each other,” he added.