Isaac Fayose , the younger brother of former Ayo Fayose, has retracted his earlier comments about the Igbo community and issued a public apology, stressing the need for unity among Nigeria’s ethnic groups.
In a video posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Fayose admitted he regretted his remarks, in which he implied that Igbos were largely motivated by financial gain. He acknowledged that the statement was inappropriate and should not have been made.
The backlash followed comments in which he compared how various ethnic groups support their detained leaders. Fayose pointed out that Yoruba activists were able to campaign successfully for the release of Sunday Igboho from exile, while suggesting that the Igbo community had not shown the same level of coordination in advocating for Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu, who leads the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody after a life sentence was upheld despite repeated calls for his release.
Fayose’s initial remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing him of making sweeping generalisations about the Igbo people.
In his apology, he commended HRH Ambassador Dr. Lawrence Agubuzo, the Igwe of Ezema Olo, for appealing to Bola Tinubu to ensure fairness in addressing separatist matters. Fayose highlighted Agubuzo’s position that if one separatist figure is granted freedom, similar consideration should be extended to others in the interest of justice and national harmony.
Concluding his message, Fayose admitted his earlier statement was wrong, formally withdrew it, and emphasised the importance of mutual respect and solidarity among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
“I want to publicly apologise to the Igbo people for my statement in which I said that all Igbos are “cash and carry.” I sincerely regret that remark and completely withdraw it. I also wish to appreciate HRH Ambassador Dr Lawrence Agubuzo, the Igwe of Ezema Olo, for his courage in speaking to President Tinubu. He rightly stated that if Sunday Igboho is free, then Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should also be free”
He further spoke about the significance of the timing of his apology, pointing out that Christians commenced Lent on the same day Muslims began Ramadan a coincidence he described as a powerful symbol of unity and shared spiritual values.
By tying his apology to this moment, Fayose stressed that Nigeria can only move forward by setting aside ethnic and religious divisions and working towards collective peace, understanding, and national cohesion.
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Read some comments below:
@xtracodedmembrane:”I been no too like you before o but gradually I’m beginning to understand you. Thank you for this one Sir.”
@okafor_obi__tpaul_:”Anyone who can comes out to speak about Nigeria for the betterment is my blood brother thank you sir I respect you.”
@kingbvision:”You be man, for you to apologize 🙏 I shows true strength of a man not weakness… God bless you.”
@tundedaniels15:”You’re a greatman 🙏. It takes greatness to acknowledge mistakes and apologize.”
@calllme_kechy:”❤️❤️❤️ You did not offend us honestly. We did not feel offended. God spoke in favor of the Igbos through you.”
@fitzonwa:”Egbon we are not offended at all. It is refreshing to see you speak out not minding whatever anyone can say. Kudos to you bro.”