Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has reignited his public disagreement with Minister of Works David Umahi, calling him a “Pharaoh” and demanding that he allow the South-East to experience meaningful development.
The celebrity businessman made the remarks in a series of Instagram posts on Sunday, November 8, 2026, following comments by Umahi that appeared to criticise his public display of wealth.
Cubana Chief Priest questioned the minister’s infrastructure record in the South-East and accused him of making political promises without demonstrating sufficient development in the region.
The exchange has attracted attention because it involves a serving federal minister and a prominent businessman from the South-East.
1. Cubana Chief Priest calls Umahi a Pharaoh
In his response to the minister, Cubana Chief Priest repeatedly described Umahi as a “Pharaoh” and demanded that he allow the people of the South-East to move forward.
He wrote: “Pharaoh, let our people go, Honourable Minister of Works; Pharaoh, let the people of the Southeast go.”
The statement echoed the biblical account of Moses demanding the release of the Israelites from Pharaoh’s rule.
The socialite used the expression to criticise what he described as the slow pace of development in the South-East.
2. He challenges Umahi to show his infrastructure projects
Cubana Chief Priest also challenged Umahi to publicly identify the infrastructure projects he had delivered for the South-East since becoming Minister of Works.
He questioned what the minister was using to convince residents of the region to support President Bola Tinubu politically.
In one of his posts, he wrote:
“Stop giving Mr President fake promises on votes. What project are you using to convince the people of Southeast to vote Asiwaju?”
He further questioned the condition of infrastructure in the region, making specific allegations about a bridge that he claimed was no longer functioning properly following work on it.
These remain the socialite’s allegations and have not been independently established by the exchange itself.
3. The disagreement started with his criticism of Umahi’s performance
The latest confrontation follows comments Cubana Chief Priest made in October 2026, when he described Umahi as the second-worst minister the South-East had produced.
He argued that the region had little to show for having one of its own serving as Minister of Works.
The businessman also called on President Tinubu to replace ministers he considered ineffective.
His criticism extended to another unnamed female minister from Imo State, whom he also accused of poor performance.
The comments triggered reactions from supporters and critics, particularly because of the political implications of his criticism.
4. Umahi responds with comments about wealth and public boasting
Umahi subsequently appeared to take a swipe at Cubana Chief Priest during a political gathering over the weekend.
The Minister of Works criticised what he described as a growing culture of noise-making and public displays of wealth.
Referencing the socialite’s popular expression, “money na water,” Umahi questioned how much wealth he actually possessed.
He said:
“We are becoming very noisy. Money na water. How much do you have? Have you ever seen Dangote or Otedola saying that I have money? Money speaks for itself.”
The minister also challenged wealthy individuals to demonstrate their financial success through meaningful contributions to society.
5. Cubana Chief Priest questions alleged political plans involving Umahi’s son
The socialite also raised concerns about what he described as Umahi’s alleged plans to position his son for the governorship of Ebonyi State after the tenure of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
He criticised the idea of political leadership being treated as a family inheritance.
In his Instagram post, he wrote that governance should not become a family business and questioned whether the minister was satisfied with the level of development in Ebonyi and the wider South-East.
The allegation about Umahi’s son’s political future was made by Cubana Chief Priest and should not be treated as an established succession arrangement.
6. He criticises the pace of development in Ebonyi and the South-East
Beyond his disagreement with Umahi, Cubana Chief Priest questioned the broader development of Ebonyi State and other parts of the South-East.
He argued that the region should be able to point to tangible infrastructure improvements and other benefits from the appointment of one of its sons as Minister of Works.
His criticism places attention on the expectations surrounding federal appointments and whether they translate into visible development for the regions represented by public officeholders.
However, assessing Umahi’s record requires examining specific projects, their funding, completion status and impact rather than relying solely on statements made during a social media dispute.
7. The exchange sparks fresh debate online
The disagreement has generated conversations about public accountability, political influence and the responsibilities of wealthy Nigerians.
While Cubana Chief Priest has focused on the minister’s infrastructure record and the development of the South-East, Umahi’s response has shifted attention towards public displays of wealth and the contributions of successful individuals to society.
The exchange has also raised questions about whether public officials should respond directly to criticism from celebrities and businesspeople.
Cubana Chief Priest’s latest posts can be followed on his official Instagram account, @cubana_chiefpriest.
Conclusion
Cubana Chief Priest has renewed his criticism of Minister of Works David Umahi, calling him a “Pharaoh” and demanding that the South-East experience meaningful development.
The businessman challenged the minister to show his infrastructure achievements and questioned allegations surrounding possible political plans involving his son.
Umahi had earlier responded to the socialite’s criticism by questioning his public display of wealth and challenging him to demonstrate how he had helped others.
The disagreement has now developed into a wider public conversation about political accountability, regional development and the responsibilities of influential Nigerians.
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