A preacher has issued a public apology to businessman Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, for criticising the nightlife entrepreneur and his associates.
Obi Cubana had last week held what is considered the most extravagant funeral in the history of Nigeria. Images from the burial of Obi Cubana’s mother showed the businessman’s associates spraying cash non-stop.
Pastor Ntia Ntia of Full Life Christian Centre, Akwa Ibom State, was among those who criticised the show of wealth.
He had said, “The place where you are standing to spray money, the road is not tarred…. Can’t you see the stupidity of illiteracy?”
Following backlash, Ntia retracted his statement and apologised to Obi Cubana and associates. In a clip which has gone viral on Facebook, the Pentecostal preacher said he immediately changed his perception about Obi Cubana after watching a BBC interview where the latter talked about his humble beginning, his struggles, and how he made his first N1 million.
He said, “I want to say that the comments came out very wrong and prematurely. With further information, the life that the man has affected, the people that the man has lifted, the destinies that he has invested in, sincerely I want to say that it is not my intention as a preacher to preach to cause hurt or to cause pain or to preach to discredit anybody, at all.
“As a preacher, my assignment is to preach words that heal, not hurt, words that help, not harm. Therefore, in any way those comments might have caused harm or pain, I sincerely apologise.”
Ntia said his wife is from Anambra State, and, therefore, Obi Cubana is his in-law.
