A social media storm erupted on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, after billionaire entrepreneur Obi Cubana publicly declared his biological son, Alex, as his “next of kin,” days after a video by his adopted son, Chidi, went viral on TikTok claiming the same title. The incident has triggered widespread debate over family hierarchy, public perception, and the thin line between private matters and digital expression.
Chidi, believed to be the son of one of Obi Cubana’s late relatives, caused a buzz with a short TikTok clip where he confidently declared himself the mogul’s successor. “Nothing do my shoulder, I just realize say I be next of kin,” he captioned the video, sparking speculation about the depth of his relationship with the Cubana Group chairman.
Responding to the attention, Obi Cubana posted a picture of himself and Alex on Instagram with the caption, “Ancient and modern, eyes on the ball. @dtwalx aka next of kin,” which was followed by a playful exchange between father and son in the comments. Alex wrote, “Using my headphones right now,” to which Obi replied, “Correct boy, original next-of-kin.”
The post instantly divided fans. Critics argued the businessman should have handled the issue away from the public eye. “This is unnecessary. He should have told the guy to delete on TikTok, then solved it internally,” an X user, @Abazwhyllzz, posted. Another added, “This wasn’t the best way to address the matter. It now looks like he is setting boundaries with pride instead of wisdom.”
Others defended Chidi, insisting the video was a light-hearted moment misinterpreted by netizens. “He was just catching cruise, yet una don read inheritance meaning into am,” wrote @Gladys_Onyetem. “Even if na adopted, he deserves love and respect. Na una dey reason village people everywhere.”
Analysts suggest this controversy underscores the delicate role of adopted children in African homes, especially within wealthy families. Social commentator Tayo Osagie noted, “The wealth conversation in Nigerian families isn’t just about money; it’s about position, perception, and legacy. Obi Cubana’s post, though subtle, was a strong message.”
Obi Cubana, whose net worth is estimated at over $96 million as of 2025, has yet to issue a formal statement beyond the Instagram post. However, with over 12 million views on the original TikTok video and more than 25,000 comments on his Instagram response, this saga has proven that the dynamics of public families will always play out under the intense spotlight of social media.
