Prominent Nigerian business mogul Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, has shared intimate family photographs that capture the essence of time’s passage and the enduring bonds of family. The images, taken during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on July 5th, 2020, mark what would be his mother’s final birthday celebration at age 78.
The poignant social media post offers a rare glimpse into the private life of one of Nigeria’s most talked-about entrepreneurs, revealing the tender side of a man often associated with grandiose displays of wealth and business acumen. Through his Instagram platform, Cubana painted a picture of growth, resilience, and the bittersweet nature of family evolution.
Apart from Mama, who’s gone to be with God, her creator, everyone else in these photos is alive, healthy, and has grown,” Cubana shared, his words resonating with the universal experience of loss and continuation. The businessman’s reflection showcases how his family has flourished, with the younger generation maturing into their own roles within the family tapestry. “The boys are big boys now. The girls are big girls too! The men and women are making impacts and aging gracefully!
The significance of these photographs takes on added depth when considered alongside Cubana’s recent revelations about his family history. In a candid disclosure last month, he spoke about the generational pattern that has marked his family – the sobering reality that none of his relatives had reached the age of 80. This context adds layers of meaning to his mother’s passing at 79, just shy of breaking what he termed a “generational curse.
Perhaps most memorably, Cubana’s mother’s farewell in 2021 became a cultural phenomenon that captivated Nigeria and sparked conversations about modern funeral practices. The ceremony in Oba, Anambra state, transformed into an unprecedented celebration of life that attracted a constellation of Nigerian celebrities, from music sensations Davido and Dbanj to respected actors Kanayo Kanayo and Williams Uchemba. The event, marked by an astounding display of wealth including the receipt of 246 cows from friends and associates, became a defining moment in contemporary Nigerian social culture.
However, beyond the spectacle and grandeur that brought him into the national spotlight, Cubana’s recent reflection reveals a more contemplative side. His latest social media share emphasizes values that transcend material success – the importance of unity, health, and family bonds. Grateful to God almighty for life, good health, growth, unity, family love, and super bright future!!” his message declared, highlighting a perspective that places family harmony above material achievements.
The contrast between the quiet intimacy of these COVID-era family photos and the elaborate funeral that would follow months later offers an intriguing window into the complexities of modern Nigerian society. It speaks to the balance between private family moments and public expressions of success, between traditional values and contemporary displays of achievement.
Through these shared memories, Obi Cubana has offered more than just a glimpse into his family album – he’s provided a narrative about growth, loss, and the continuation of life that resonates far beyond his immediate circle. His story reflects the universal experience of watching loved ones age and change while holding onto the precious memories of those who have passed.
As his family continues to “age gracefully” and make their mark on the world, Cubana’s reflection serves as a reminder that beneath the public persona of successful business figures lie the same fundamental human experiences of love, loss, and family bonds that touch us all. His mother’s memory, preserved in these photographs and honored through that remarkable funeral, continues to inspire a legacy of family unity and appreciation for life’s continuing journey.
