Cubana Chief Priest’s Meeting with Vice President Shettima Sparks Online Frenzy
Lagos, Nigeria – May 24, 2025 – A recent encounter between Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, and Vice President Kashim Shettima has set social media ablaze, igniting a wave of reactions ranging from amusement to skepticism. A viral video and photo circulating online show Cubana Chief Priest kneeling before the Vice President and referring to him as “my papa” in an Instagram post, a gesture that has sparked widespread debate about wealth, power, and influence in Nigeria.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, saw Cubana Chief Priest alongside Afrobeats superstar Davido, adding further star power to the high-profile interaction. In the video, Cubana, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and ownership of the Cubana Group, is seen kneeling before Shettima, a move that many interpreted as a sign of respect or deference. The socialite’s caption, where he hailed the Vice President as his “father,” amplified the moment, drawing attention from netizens and media outlets alike. Coverage from platforms like Legit.ng and Kemi Filani News highlighted the encounter, noting the polarized reactions it elicited online.
A Polarizing Gesture
The image of Cubana kneeling before Shettima has become a lightning rod for discussion. On X, users expressed a mix of sentiments. Some praised the act as a cultural display of respect, with one user commenting, “Cubana showing honor to authority, nothing wrong here.” Others, however, were less charitable, mocking the gesture with remarks like, “Life no balance o, see Cubana kneeling like primary school boy.” Another post humorously speculated about financial motives, joking that Shettima was holding Cubana’s phone to “input account number for transfer.”
The interaction has reignited conversations about the dynamics of wealth and political power in Nigeria. Cubana Chief Priest, a well-known figure in the entertainment and hospitality industries, is no stranger to the spotlight. His lavish displays of wealth and high-profile connections often make headlines, but this encounter with Shettima has prompted deeper scrutiny. Some netizens questioned the sincerity of the gesture, with one X user quipping, “Cubana calling Shettima ‘papa’ while his money talks louder than his voice. Integrity where?” Others saw it as a strategic move to align with political heavyweights, a common practice in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
Not the First Encounter
This is not the first time Cubana Chief Priest and Vice President Shettima have made headlines together. In February 2024, a similar meeting garnered attention when Cubana vowed to “fight for” the government, a statement that drew both support and criticism. That earlier interaction, much like the recent one, fueled debates about the intersection of celebrity influence and political affiliations. Posts on X from that time echoed similar sentiments, with users questioning whether such public displays of loyalty were genuine or opportunistic.
The recurrence of these meetings has led some to speculate about a deeper relationship between Cubana and political figures. As a prominent entrepreneur with a vast network, Cubana’s interactions with Nigeria’s elite are often viewed through the lens of mutual benefit. His businesses, including the Cubana nightclub chain, thrive on visibility and connections, and public gestures like kneeling before a figure like Shettima could be seen as reinforcing those ties.
Social Media as a Barometer
The reactions on X and other platforms serve as a barometer of public sentiment. While some users found humor in the situation, others used it to critique broader societal issues. One X post remarked, “Cubana kneeling shows how money bows to power in Nigeria. Same story, different day.” Another user pointed out the optics, stating, “Davido standing tall, Cubana on his knees. Who’s the real boss here?” The contrast between the two celebrities’ postures in the video added another layer to the online discourse, with some interpreting it as a reflection of their respective approaches to influence.
Media outlets have also weighed in, with Legit.ng noting that the video “got people talking about the relationship between wealth and political authority.” Kemi Filani News emphasized the polarized reactions, with some fans defending Cubana’s actions as a cultural norm and others labeling it as excessive. The debate underscores the complex interplay of respect, power, and public perception in Nigeria, where gestures like kneeling carry significant cultural and symbolic weight.
What’s Next?
As the online chatter continues, Cubana Chief Priest remains unfazed, often using his platform to embrace both the praise and criticism. His Instagram page, where he frequently showcases his lavish lifestyle and high-profile connections, is likely to keep fueling such discussions. For Vice President Shettima, the encounter adds to his visibility among Nigeria’s youth and entertainment circles, a demographic that politicians increasingly seek to engage.
The viral moment has also sparked curiosity about potential future collaborations or public appearances involving Cubana and political figures. Whether this was a calculated move to strengthen ties or a spontaneous act of respect, it has undeniably kept Cubana Chief Priest in the headlines, reinforcing his status as one of Nigeria’s most polarizing personalities.
For now, the image of Cubana kneeling before Shettima will remain a talking point, a snapshot of Nigeria’s intricate social hierarchy where wealth, fame, and power collide. If you’re curious about specific reactions or want to dive deeper into any aspect of this story, let me know, and I can search for more details or analyze related posts on X!
