By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

It was more of a celebration than a funeral as the crème de la crème in Nigeria’s entertainment industry converged on Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, for the burial of the mother of Obi Iyiegbu, better known as Obi Cubana.

The funeral rites kicked off on Thursday, July 15, 2021, with a service of songs and Christian wake, followed yesterday with the burial of Iyiegbu’s late mother, Ezinne Uche Iyiegbu, in a gold casket said to be worth N30 million.

The nightclub boss also bought a diamond chain and pendant from a popular jeweller, Efobi Stephen, which has his late mother’s face engraved on it.

The reception after the burial featured well known celebrities, business people and politicians, among them music stars Davido and D Banj; a member of the House of Representatives and Club Quillox’s proprietor, Shina Peller; Senator Uche Ekwunife; the Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari; Alex Ekubo; Kenneth Okonkwo (Kcee); Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money); Poco Lee; Ubi Franklin; Real Estate mogul, Lady Ifeoma; Zuby Michael, and William Uchemba, among others.

Iyiegbu’s fame lit not just the entire Anambra State but the Internet as people who could not attend the event physically had the opportunity of watching it online, as it was live streamed.

In one of the videos that went viral, two of the guests were seen having a playful cash fight as they threw wads of money at each other, while other guests looked on.

This was even as huge amounts of cash were ‘sprayed’ at the event, in addition to several gifts Obi Cubana received before the event, including cows, foodstuff and drinks.

It was gathered that the businessman got about 246 cows, with one of his close associates, Cubana Chief Priest, reportedly giving him 46 cows.

Though not yet confirmed, a list of contributions by 198 friends and associates that went viral on social media showed that Iyiegbu got over N200m in cash.

The people on the list include Mighty Umuchu (N1m), Ekene New Age (N1m), Sir Makuachukwu Okeifeadigo (N1m), Wale Cubana (N1m) and Igirigi Uli (N500,000).

Activities for Mrs Iyiegbu’s funeral are scheduled to be wrapped up tomorrow, Sunday, July 18, 2021 with a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Oba, Anambra State.

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