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| President Tinubu and Cubana Chief Priest |
Three of Nigeria’s most prominent entertainment figures, music superstar Davido, nightlife entrepreneur Cubana Chief Priest, and talent manager Ubi Franklin, in a move that has set social media abuzz and sparked nationwide conversation, recently paid a high-profile visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which took place in on the 25th of May 2025, has become a focal point for discussions about the intersection of celebrity influence, politics, and national priorities in Nigeria.
Davido, with real name, David Adeleke, is not just a chart-topping artist but a cultural icon whose influence extends beyond music into philanthropy and social commentary. Cubana Chief Priest (Pascal Okechukwu) is a renowned nightlife mogul and socialite, while Ubi Franklin is a respected talent manager and entrepreneur. Together, their presence at the seat of power was bound to attract attention.
While the official agenda of the meeting was not publicly disclosed, snippets from the encounter quickly circulated online. In a widely shared video, Davido introduced his companions to President Tinubu, highlighting their political affiliations: “They are both your members, sir, they are APC,” he said, referencing the ruling All Progressives Congress. Tinubu responded with warmth, acknowledging their support.
Ubi Franklin, in particular, took the opportunity to remind the president of his active involvement in the 2023 presidential campaign, stating he traveled to 15 states to support Tinubu’s candidacy. The president responded, “Very good. We succeeded and made it to the presidency.” Cubana Chief Priest also expressed optimism about the future, declaring, “We will succeed again in 2027.”
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| President Tinubu and Ubi Franklin |
The visit has divided public opinion. Supporters see it as a positive gesture, an opportunity for the entertainment industry to engage with national leadership and potentially influence youth-focused policies. Given the massive followings of these celebrities, their endorsement and dialogue with the president could help bridge the gap between government and young Nigerians.
However, critics have not been silent. Many Nigerians, grappling with economic hardship, rising inflation, and security concerns, questioned the timing and relevance of the visit. Social media platforms were rife with comments suggesting that the meeting was a distraction from more pressing national issues. Some accused the celebrities of seeking personal gain or political favor.
Ubi Franklin responded directly to critics on his social media pages. He defended his decision to meet with the president, stating, “If you were invited to meet the president, you would go too.” He reaffirmed his APC membership and expressed willingness to meet the president again if given the chance.
This visit is part of a growing trend where Nigerian celebrities are becoming more involved in political discourse. In recent years, entertainers have used their platforms to advocate for social change, support candidates, and even run for office. Their influence is undeniable, especially among the youth, who make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population.
The meeting also followed similar courtesy visits to other top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Vice President Kashim Shettima. These interactions suggest a deliberate effort by both the government and celebrities to foster dialogue and collaboration.
While the detailed content of the conversation remains private, the symbolism is powerful. It highlights the evolving relationship between Nigeria’s entertainment industry and its political leadership. Whether these meetings will translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians remains to be seen.
For now, the visit by Davido, Cubana Chief Priest, and Ubi Franklin to President Tinubu points to the growing influence of celebrities in shaping national conversations, and perhaps, in shaping the future of Nigeria itself.
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